Statistical analysis can be used to interpret and give meaning to data, however, the ability to interpret large quantities of data and it's resulting statistical reporting is not always straightforward. Graphical representations such as graphs and maps are a way of translating or converting data into a visual interpretation. Commonly used world maps are imperfect and contain distortions to allow a spherical reality to be represented in 2-dimensions. This distortion can be manipulated to produce a world map that gives each defined area (country or region) a size proportional to its population. Cartograms are used to effectively map socioeconomic data and can be effective means of mapping disease. In keeping with the phrase 'a picture equals a thousand words' cartograms can be used to analyse spatial data in an easily comprehensible style.
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