HOW TO
A bivariate map illustrates two variables that are related but have different values on a map by combining different sets of symbols and colors. It serves as a simple method to illustrate the relationship, graphically and accurately, between the two variables that are spatially distributed. With this map, it is also possible to easily assess how two attributes change in relation to one another.
This article describes the options to create a quantitative bivariate map to illustrate the relationship between two variables; female life expectancy in the year 2010, and female obesity prevalence in the year 2009.
Depending on the suitability, use one of the following options to create a quantitative bivariate map.
Draw the layer with the bivariate colors symbology
The image below shows the bivariate color representation of the different combinations between the two variables; female life expectancy in the year 2010, and female obesity prevalence in the year 2009.
Draw the layer with the dot density symbology
The image below shows the density of the female life expectancy in the year 2010 and female obesity prevalence in the year 2009. Each dot represents fifty percent. The red dot represents the female life expectancy in the year 2010, while the blue dot represents female obesity prevalence in the year 2009.
Draw the layers with different level of transparency
This option creates a bivariate choropleth map, which is essentially the graphical combination of two choropleth maps. Create two choropleth maps for the desired attributes using the graduated colors symbology, overlap them by positioning one layer on top of the other in the Contents pane, and apply a fifty percent transparency level to the top layer to create a bivariate map.
The image below shows the feature layers are drawn with different transparency levels. The layer with the transparency applied displays the female life expectancy in the year 2010, while the other displays female obesity prevalence in the year 2009.
Article ID: 000027489
Get help from ArcGIS experts
Download the Esri Support App