An alternative to choropleth mapping are the use of cartograms. Cartograms attempt to ‘equivalise’ space proportionally to the data being mapped. In other words cartograms distort space to so that the size of an area matches the magnitude of whatever is being depicted (ie. are of equal density). Size then becomes directly relevant and using the example of total population (Figure 2), small geographic areas with large populations become more visually representative. Conversely large, but sparsely populated regions will shrink as containers of their populations .
It is important to note that the cartograms in this report are not standardised to a regional or national figure and the total land (cartogram) area is constant across maps but is apportioned according to individual CAU/DHB distributions. Consequently a cartogram depicting population under five years of age will have the same overall land area as the total resident population (though their respective distributions and patterns will be unique).
Therefore when comparing cartograms the initial impression is often of little change in size across the differing statistics as the total area is the same, however, the relative size of individual areas may be very different. This detail is key when comparing cartograms such as ethnicity - the maps show areas/space by relative distribution, the same size area in two different maps are unlikely to have the same population .
The following national DHB series of maps show selected figures highlighting the national significance of Auckland’s population. The maps also provide some visual indications of the needs and complexities of the region in terms of health needs and service delivery.
Descriptive text is provided where additional information beyond that provided in the 2006 ARPHS Demographic Profile is required. Please refer to this report for a more comprehensive description of DHB level distributions.
