Fig. 1 shows a simple choropleth map produced by a local council using geographic information system software. The map shows the percentage of homes within ...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows a simple choropleth map produced by a local council using geographic information system software. The map shows the percentage of homes within four urban wards that are more than a 10-minute walk from a public green space. The council is considering where to spend a development budget. The map is useful because it displays spatial variation, but percentages do not reveal the total population in each ward. A planner should therefore combine this figure with field observation and population data before making a final decision.
(a) Identify the ward with the highest percentage shown. [1]
(b) Identify the difference, in percentage points, between West and North wards. [2]
(c) Identify one conclusion about the spatial pattern shown in Fig. 1. [2]
(d) Identify two limitations of using this choropleth map alone to choose a location for a new park. [3]
Answer Details
(a) West has the highest percentage, at 61%. [1]
(b) The difference is:
\[61\%-12\%=49\text{ percentage points}\]
[2]
(c) Access to green space is poorest in the west. More generally, the percentages increase from north towards the south and west, from 12% in North to 61% in West. This identifies a spatial pattern, not simply the highest value. [2]
(d) The map alone is limited because:
- it gives percentages but not ward population totals, so it does not show the number of households affected;
- it does not show whether there is available land for a park;
- it does not show the quality or safety of existing green space.
Different ward sizes and barriers on walking routes are further limitations. [3]
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