Journalist's Toolbox Newsletter XLI
Feb. 8, 2022
 |
Mapping Data with Datawrapper
In our last newsletter, I wrote about how to build basic charts with Datawrapper. In this edition, we’ll explore how to build choropleth and locator maps with Datawrapper.
Datawrapper is one of many mapping tools we list on Journalist’s Toolbox. The free version offers many options choropleth, symbol and locator maps. The tools was developed by a team of 18 data visualists and journalists, and is available in several languages.
The tool is great for building “day-turn” maps that journalists must produce quickly. The graphics can be exported as interactive, embeddable maps or as static images for print (the quality is surprisingly good).
Datawrapper also offers “The River” — a wonderful collection of maps and charts from all over the world. It’s great inspiration and can be helpful for developing graphic and story ideas.
I think it’s one of the best tools for building choropleth maps as it has so many options (world countries, US states, census tracts, congressional districts, etc.) from all over the world. It has sample datasets you can practice with, or you can just start by importing your own sets.
The software does an admirable job of matching the columns in your dataset to its built-in shape files. It’s one of the easiest tools I’ve used for building these types of maps.
Video: This training video offers exercises for building choropleth and 3-D locator maps in the free version of Datawrapper.
Around the Web
KMZ to Shapefile Converter
Use this free tool to convert shapefiles to work with various types of maps and images.
Cool Tool Tuesday
Don’t forget that at 1 p.m. CT each Tuesday, we feature a new resource on #cooltooltuesday, like you see in our Around the Web section of this newsletter. Be sure to check it out and retweet it. Here’s a video of some of my past faves:
Tips Welcome
If you like the resources we share in this newsletter, on Twitter, the YouTube training videos or on the Toolbox site, you can send Mike Reilley a tip on Twitter. Just open the Twitter app, go to @journtoolbox and click on the tip button in his profile header and tip away. Tips are never expected but always appreciated.
In Quotes …
"Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half." -- Gore Vidal
Follow us: @journtoolbox | JournalistsToolbox | Subscribe on YouTube
Copyright 2022 | Society of Professional Journalists
Create your profile
Only paid subscribers can comment on this post
Check your email
For your security, we need to re-authenticate you.
Click the link we sent to , or click here to sign in.