What is the difference between statistical maps and charts?

Answer 1

Charts and maps are visual representation. Since you asked about statistical maps, these technically are called cartograms, and it is where the terms chart and map overlap (the same graph can be called either a map or chart). A map is a visual representation of an area-a symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that space such as objects, regions, and themes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map A chart according to www.dictionary.com is: a graphic representation, as by curves, of a dependent variable, as temperature, price, etc.; graph. Wikipedia goes a bit further in defining a chart as: A chart is a visual representation of data, in which the data are represented by symbols such as bars in a bar chart or lines in a line chart.[1] A chart can represent tabular numeric data, functions or some kinds of qualitative structures. and gives a number of good examples: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chart I can identify three places where maps and charts overlap. #1- Nautical maps are referred to as charts. #2- You will find the term "cartogram" under chart in wikipedia. A cartogram is a map, that provides some statistical information by geographical area. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartogram If statistical information is not presented, for example a world map showing countries, then we can not refer to it as a chart. #3 In presentations, it is common to refer to a plan as a "road map." In showing the "road map to peace", diagrams may be presented showing action to be taken, and referred to a map. They are using the term "map", in a conceptual or abstract manner, as something that help give guidance or direction. To expand on your question, in statistics, we can refer to visual representations as charts, plots, graphs and figures- these terms are very similar, and textbook authors frequently just refer to any graphical image as a figure. In presentations, all of these words are perfectly acceptable.