Creating Contiguous Area Cartograms with GIS and Avenue Scripting

Traditional maps represent physical land area, but sometimes displaying thematic data like population, election results, or GDP requires distorting geographic boundaries to reflect true statistical values. This course introduces you to the core principles of contiguous area cartograms, teaching you how to scale map features while preserving their relative positions and shapes. You will learn how these spatial visualizations work and how to implement them using foundational GIS scripting methods. Through clear, step-by-step written explanations, you will master the geometric algorithms behind map distortion and write scripts to automate the cartogram generation process. We bridge classic geographic information systems techniques with modern data prep workflows, ensuring your final maps are both highly accurate and visually communicative. What you'll learn: - Understand the core mathematical and geographic principles of contiguous cartograms - Write Avenue scripts to manipulate spatial geometry and automate map distortion - Prepare and clean attribute data to prevent topological errors during scaling - Apply modern data validation techniques to ensure geographic features remain connected - Evaluate the effectiveness of different cartographic projection methods - Troubleshoot common geometry errors and self-intersection issues in GIS software This course starts with foundational definitions of thematic mapping before guiding you through data preparation, scripting logic, and final map production. It is designed for GIS professionals, urban planners, and data analysts who want to expand their spatial visualization toolkit. No advanced programming background is required, though a basic familiarity with GIS concepts will help you get the most out of the material. Start reading today to transform your geographic data into compelling visual narratives.