How are a cartogram and a graduated symbol map similar?

A cartogram and a graduated symbol map both focus on the representation of quantitative data to facilitate comparisons between different geographical locations. In a cartogram, the size of geographic regions (such as countries or states) is distorted based on a specific numerical variable, like population or GDP, making it easier to visualize where the largest or smallest values are relative to one another.

On the other hand, a graduated symbol map utilizes symbols of varying sizes to represent quantitative data at specific locations. For instance, larger circles might indicate a higher population in a given area, while smaller circles represent lower populations.

Both types of maps aim to illustrate and compare numerical data across different areas, allowing for insights into patterns, trends, or inequalities in the data being presented. This focus on numerical data differentiates these maps from those that depict merely physical or qualitative information.