NordMap – web-mapping tool for the Nordic Region
Session
Visualization
Abstract
Paper-based maps are good visualisation products of demographic data. However, recent technological developments enhance cartographic solutions to better fit the needs of the map users. Web-mapping tools are one of these recent developments, providing more possibilities to its users and contributing to new ways to visualise demographic data. NordMap, the Nordic web-mapping tool, is one good example.
Målgruppe
Planners, civil servants, stakeholders and policymakers who are working with regional planning and development issues, researchers who are engaged in regional development and demographic studies, and students who are studying in related topics.
Yderligere uddybning af abstract
There is a growing need for interactive mapping focused on regional development in the Nordic region nowadays. The map users are also more demanding than before: they want solutions for producing customizable maps in a short period of time and with a limited cost. Interactive web-mapping tools do offer such outputs. NordMap, the Nordic web-mapping tool (www.nordregio.se), is one good example of new ways to visualize geo-data, including demographic data.
Compared to traditional paper-based maps, NordMap has a number of advantages thanks to the possibilities with web-solutions and digital mapping. Maps at two administrative levels – municipal and regional covering the Nordic region are available on the portal. The maps are placed under four topics – demography, labour force, economy, and featured maps, of which demography and labour market are the focused topics. The data of the maps are most up-to date available, and some of them are back to 2000 the earliest. Compared to traditional paper-based maps, NordMap has several benefits. Users have the possibility to customize the map to some extent: they can select the indicator, the administrative level, the data year, the colour scheme, etc., to fit their needs. The customization possibility improves map producers’ workflow to a large extent; Next to the map, it is possible for the user to read about the background information such as definition and methodology. The user can sometimes be directed to the research page by clicking on the external link. NordMap is a dynamic mapping tool, which gives users the possibility to see changes over time thanks to an animation with the application of time series analysis function (e.g., demographic dependency). Last but not least, NordMap has the functionality of comparative analysis. Users can choose any administrative unit of interest and define the number of similar units they’d like to locate, and then the tool will highlight those units with the similar attribute values, which is useful for stakeholders and planners who are looking for potential collaboration between municipalities or regions.
Interactive web-mapping tools have also a number of other advantages, thanks to its presence on the Internet. NordMap can indeed be reached globally, providing an internet connection. Users can download all the maps for free in tow formats. Its use can be monitored and statistics on its users can help both improving the tool and getting insight on who and where are the interests of demographic data for the Nordic Region. The entire tool designed in English broadens its potential users and enables it to brand the Nordic value more widely.
