Irish Surnames

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Why we love it

Sometimes the simplest of ideas makes a beautiful map. Here we see a map of 1890 Irish Census data on babies’ surnames. We love that this map uses the surnames as symbols and scales them relative to how many babies shared that name instead of summarising data using standard mapping techniques. It’s a proportional symbol map but one which immediately shows the theme by using symbols that have meaning. The Celtic-inspired fonts add to the very Irish-themed map.

Why it works

Proportional symbols are an excellent way to show quantities on maps. Usually mapmakers scale the size of symbols, such as circles or squares, proportionally to the data value. This map works because it scales the size of the text instead. A progressive reveal shows the most popular names first and the complete map of names as you zoom. The search tool lists names in alphabetical order allowing people to easily search the map.

Important steps

  • Map the counties

    Convert a map of the counties of Ireland to points so each county is represented by a point.

  • Match surnames to counties

    Using the surnames database, which lists surnames by county, join the surnames data to the counties points.

  • Label and scale to size

    You can label multiple points in each county using the surname. Since each surname has a count associated with it, they can be scaled by size.

  • Space surnames out

    Use generalisation tools (such as the Disperse Markers tool) to distribute points (and labels) within the counties. Perform manual editing to give the final position.
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Requirements

  • Data and software

    Census data provides a rich source for thematic mapping. You’ll need a basemap that contains the relevant administrative boundaries for your area, in this case, Irish counties. Here, we used a proportional symbol technique. Software used: ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Story Map

  • Analysis

    Determine the most popular surname for each county. Use generalisation tools (such as Disperse Markers tool) to distribute points (and labels) within the counties. Perform manual editing to give the final position.

  • Time

    Simple datasets will be handled automatically by the Maplex labelling engine.
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Tips and tricks

  • Space your labels neatly

    Make sure your largest symbols and number of symbols will fit into your smallest areas and work backward, applying the symbols to the other areas. Create a good balance between density of detail across the map without leaving areas that are either too crowded or too sparse.

  • Communicate map theme

    Use symbology to fit your map theme. Here, Celtic symbology matched the historical Irish theme perfectly.

  • Choose a colour scheme

    The map uses the four colour theorem, which is a technical way of saying you only need four colours to make any administrative map without having the same colour adjacent to itself. Limiting the colours creates a pleasing patchwork for any administrative map.
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Resources

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Map Author

Ken Fields

Professional cartonerd, amateur drummer and snowboarder. Lifetime encourager of cartographic quality not quantity. Map with the times while building on the past.

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