What is the map called where geographic areas are distorted in proportion to an attribute such as population?

• A. cartograph
• B. thematic map
• C. cartogram
• D. dot map

Answer: (C)

This question tests understanding of how maps can represent data by changing the size of geographic areas to reflect a variable. A cartogram does exactly that: it distorts the shapes and sizes of regions so that each area is proportional to an attribute like population, making patterns in the data visually obvious. Places with large populations appear bigger, while smaller populations shrink the corresponding areas, even though their actual geographic areas may be different.

This differs from a thematic map, which conveys data through color, shading, or symbols but keeps the true geographic outlines and sizes. A dot map shows quantities by placing dots at locations, rather than altering the geography itself. The term cartograph isn’t the standard name used for this type of map.