Overview
This lecture covers the concept of “scale of analysis” in geography, distinguishing it from map scale, and explains how data grouping at different spatial levels reveals various patterns.
Scale vs. Scale of Analysis
- Scale of analysis refers to how data is grouped or organized (global, national, regional, local).
- Scale (map scale) refers to the relationship between the distance on a map and the actual distance on Earth.
- A global scale map shows the whole world; a regional scale map shows multiple countries in a region.
- National scale focuses on a single country; local scale targets cities or smaller areas.
Levels of Scale and Examples
- Global, national (state), regional, sub-national, and local are all different scales of analysis.
- In global political discussions, “state” and “country” often mean the same thing.
- Sub-national refers to areas below the national level, like US states, cities, zip codes, or census tracts.
- Local scale includes towns, neighborhoods, or even smaller geographic units.
Small Scale vs. Large Scale Maps
- Small scale maps are zoomed out, show large areas, but have little detail (e.g., world maps).
- Large scale maps are zoomed in, show small areas, and contain a lot of detail (e.g., city maps).
- Small scale = less detail, more generalization; large scale = more detail, less area.
Identifying Scale of Analysis in Practice
- The actual scale of analysis depends on how data is divided, not necessarily the map’s coverage.
- A global map might use national scale of analysis if data is organized by country boundaries.
- Maps where boundaries (like countries) matter are national scale analyses; if not, the analysis might be global.
- A national map showing county-level data is a sub-national (local) scale of analysis.
Importance of Scale of Analysis
- Shifting scale of analysis (global → national → local) reveals different patterns and trends in data.
- Detailed decision-making (e.g., locating a cancer treatment center) requires a more local scale of analysis for precise information.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Scale of Analysis — The spatial level at which data is grouped or studied (global, national, regional, etc.).
- Map Scale (Scale) — The ratio comparing a distance on a map to the corresponding distance on Earth.
- Small Scale Map — A map showing a large area with little detail; zoomed out.
- Large Scale Map — A map showing a small area with much detail; zoomed in.
- Sub-national — Refers to areas smaller than a country, like states, counties, or cities.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying both the map scale and scale of analysis on sample maps.
- Review posted answers to practice questions for further understanding.