As routine as data visuals have become in our daily lives… none are more universally used and loved as a map. From the GPS we use on our phones almost constantly to the printed layout of an unfamiliar building– maps are everywhere.

Not only are they an incredibly useful tool for us, but they are also a great way to share a story. When creating data visualizations, using familiar shapes and ideas is the best way to make it easy to read. Well, what’s more recognizable than a map?

Humans have been using them for thousands of years. It’s believed that the first ever map was made way back around 25,000 BCE. It was actually carved into a mammoth tusk.

So as I’m getting started playing around with Datawrapper, a software to create data visuals, maps seem like as good a place as any to begin.

I tried out the three different kinds of maps Datawrapper has: Choropleth, Symbol and Locator.

Choropleth

This map portrays the number of people in each U.S. state who are on parole, adjusted to every 100,000 people. Choropleth maps are great for comparing different areas, with different colors meaning either completely different things, or showing different amounts.

Symbol

This symbol map shows the amount and location of parole offices in Alabama. (which we saw in the Choropleth map was the state with the largest percent of residents on parole!) These kinds of maps are great for specific locations like this, and showing just how many locations— like parole offices— there are in an area.

Locator

Sometimes, it feels like these three different types of maps could have overlap, especially locators with the other two. You can create locator maps with shaded areas… which is very similar to a choropleth… or you can make a locator map with multiple points… which is essentially a symbol map.

So I wanted to think outside the box for this kind of map… and after looking at some examples for inspiration, I think I’ve found where locator maps perform best. They can show relationships between locations very well– like a trip.

For this map, I showed the path that lettuce contaminated with Cyclospora took, which allegedly led to a nationwide outbreak. It began in Central Mexico and branched to 9 states from there… which I visualized here with arrows pointing from Mexico to each state.

Maps are such an important part of journalism, and so vital to put our stories into context of a location.