A tile map replaces uneven geographic areas with uniformly sized shapes placed near their real locations. This gives small regions room to be seen alongside large ones, making regional patterns easier to compare. section 6.3.1
Use a tile map when:
- A choropleth hides smaller areas beside much larger neighbors. section 6.3.1
- You want to elevate small regional components without abandoning their general geographic arrangement. section 6.3.1
- Hexagons are suitable; this specific form is called a hexbin map. section 6.3.1
2016 US Electoral College results
A hexbin map gives tiny New England states the same visual footing as states west of the Mississippi. Color identifies the winning candidate, shading represents total electoral votes, and labels show vote counts.
