Visualising the output area classification

Abstract

We present methods of visualisation developed to aid the speed and depth of understanding complex geographic information. We first show how the mapping of a social area classification of the UK greatly enhances our understanding of both the pattern and extent of different social groupings within society. The classification places each 2001 Census output area into one of seven clusters based on the socioeconomic attributes of the residents of each area. The classification uses cluster analysis to reduce 41 census variables to a single socio-economic indicator. However, although a simple mapping of the classification greatly enhances the understanding we have of the location and distribution of the groups. The size of each group on the map is dictated by physical space (the area taken up), rather than the social space (the number of people who live there) which is inherently what the classification seeks to represent. We then further explain how this understanding can be further enhanced by the use of non standard techniques for visualising data. This enables a focus on the social space and a greater understanding of the patterns and distributions of the groups within the classification. We use a cartogram to alter the geography of the UK to enable a clearer view of social patterns within cities whilst keeping a detailed and recognisable representation of the whole country.