About the map
How do we get our heads around the fact that there are 7.5 billion people on the planet? This remarkably rich and beautiful story map (and companion print poster) slices the data of human activity—from shipping intensity to explosive growth in megacities—helping us see a "human footprint." We love how the mapmaker keeps us engaged by creatively mixing 2D and 3D maps with density surfaces, proportional symbols, comparison maps, and flyovers.
Why it works
Rather than present the complete, complex final analysis, this sequence of maps introduces the data variables one by one, taking us on a guided tour of key places around the world. Historic data further allows us to understand the context and how rapidly things have changed. This map works by showing us the patterns and explaining why those patterns exist. The ultraminimalist poster goes one step further, removing labels and basemaps to bring the data front and center.
Tips and tricks
Support your maps with charts
Not all data needs to be mapped. Sometimes, charts are the best visualisation option. Charts are intuitive, instructive and can break up long blocks of text. This story includes a human figure chart that builds as you advance through the story.
Don't settle for conventional views
The story uses 3D web scenes to present novel views of familiar geographies. These unorthodox perspectives—for example, an oblique, east-facing view toward the California coastline—can help illuminate otherwise overlooked patterns in the data.
Establish an evocative color palette
The maps in this story pair dark basemaps with vibrant, multihue color schemes. This visual contrast lends a sense of drama and gravity while simultaneously evoking the intensity and energy of human activity.
Resources
Map Author
Cooper Thomas
Cooper Thomas is a cartographer and product designer on the ArcGIS StoryMaps team. A displaced Oregonian living in Washington, DC, Thomas is a forager of cultural sustenance, a fair-weather motorcyclist and a one-time expert on Kyrgyz supermarkets.
