Proportional symbol maps: What they are and how to make one

Proportional symbol maps are a powerful tool for visualizing data through varied symbol sizes to represent different data values at specific locations, making patterns more intuitive and reducing geographic bias. Unlike choropleth and graduated symbol maps, proportional symbol maps directly scale symbols, often circles, according to exact data values, providing a continuous and precise representation. They are particularly useful for applications such as tracking wildfire severity, analyzing transportation safety, assessing insurance risk, and evaluating public school distribution. The platform Felt facilitates the creation of these maps by allowing users to upload data, adjust symbol styles, and customize interactivity for a clear and accessible visual story. This approach enables teams to quickly understand and compare data without being influenced by the size of the geographic area, leading to more informed decision-making.