Mapping Globalization
My portfolio revolves around the effects of globalization in the different countries and regions in the world. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, globalization is defined as “the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets.” Globalization can also be related to the field of Geography since it deals with geographical movements across national borders of goods and services, movement of people, money and capital investment, knowledge, cultural values, and the environment. Since the world is diverse and continues to change, this portfolio complies different maps that present the flows and outcomes of the different aspects of globalization. The maps are based on different statistical data, depending on the author.
My portfolio revolves around the effects of globalization in the different countries and regions in the world. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, globalization is defined as “the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets.” Globalization can also be related to the field of Geography since it deals with geographical movements across national borders of goods and services, movement of people, money and capital investment, knowledge, cultural values, and the environment. Since the world is diverse and continues to change, this portfolio complies different maps that present the flows and outcomes of the different aspects of globalization. The maps are based on different statistical data, depending on the author.
Internet Users in 2015 as a Percentage of a Country’s Population
This map highlights the percentage of internet users relative to a country’s population. The map was made by International Telegraph Union, a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is responsible for issues that concern information and communication technologies. Internet users are defined as people who have accessed the Internet within the last 12 months from any device, including mobile phones. The percentages on map are the percentages of each country's population that are considered to be internet users. Estimates are derived from either household surveys or from Internet subscription data.
The map is intended for both academic and non-academic researchers that aim to analyze the differences in internet usage between the countries. It is easily seen as to which countries have the highest ratios of internet users regardless of the overall population. From this, it can be inferred as to what countries have been affected by the fast evolution of technology. The map will help people understand what kinds of information are transmitted to and from each country, the different ways of transporting information, and even the influences of technology that is evident in a community’s daily activities.
This map highlights the percentage of internet users relative to a country’s population. The map was made by International Telegraph Union, a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is responsible for issues that concern information and communication technologies. Internet users are defined as people who have accessed the Internet within the last 12 months from any device, including mobile phones. The percentages on map are the percentages of each country's population that are considered to be internet users. Estimates are derived from either household surveys or from Internet subscription data.
The map is intended for both academic and non-academic researchers that aim to analyze the differences in internet usage between the countries. It is easily seen as to which countries have the highest ratios of internet users regardless of the overall population. From this, it can be inferred as to what countries have been affected by the fast evolution of technology. The map will help people understand what kinds of information are transmitted to and from each country, the different ways of transporting information, and even the influences of technology that is evident in a community’s daily activities.
Most Photographed Areas in the World
The map uses the number of photos from a given location uploaded to Google geotagged photo-sharing site Panoramio. The information on the map can be interpreted in various ways such as the number of tourists visiting an area are and the number of picturesque tourist destinations there are in an area.
Based on the assumption that the yellow portion represents a higher value in terms of the number of photographs, it can be inferred that a number of countries in Europe and Tokyo have the most geotagged photos. However, the map still needs to have a legend and a proper symbology of what the respective colors on the map represent to make readers prevent from concluding the information solely based on the color scheme.
There are also limitations to this map such as the accuracy of the actual number of uploaded photos. The map’s only data source comes from a single photo-sharing site, Panoramio, which might not be well known. Social media has been an excellent platform for sharing snapshots related to travel. It must be noted that there are still other sites where netizens geotag their photos such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Furthermore, not all snapped photos are
uploaded online. Some can be saved offline and can be accessed through the tourists’ personal gadgets such as their computers, phones, or tablets. Factors such as internet speed and connectivity can be taken into consideration when assessing the accuracy of the map as well.
The map uses the number of photos from a given location uploaded to Google geotagged photo-sharing site Panoramio. The information on the map can be interpreted in various ways such as the number of tourists visiting an area are and the number of picturesque tourist destinations there are in an area.
Based on the assumption that the yellow portion represents a higher value in terms of the number of photographs, it can be inferred that a number of countries in Europe and Tokyo have the most geotagged photos. However, the map still needs to have a legend and a proper symbology of what the respective colors on the map represent to make readers prevent from concluding the information solely based on the color scheme.
There are also limitations to this map such as the accuracy of the actual number of uploaded photos. The map’s only data source comes from a single photo-sharing site, Panoramio, which might not be well known. Social media has been an excellent platform for sharing snapshots related to travel. It must be noted that there are still other sites where netizens geotag their photos such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Furthermore, not all snapped photos are
uploaded online. Some can be saved offline and can be accessed through the tourists’ personal gadgets such as their computers, phones, or tablets. Factors such as internet speed and connectivity can be taken into consideration when assessing the accuracy of the map as well.
McDonald’s Across the World
This map shows where McDonald’s is present across the world. The map is mainly divided on two categories: countries with McDonald’s and those without. The number of McDonald’s outlets of selected countries are also on the map. The US has three times more McDonald’s branches than any other country in the world. The term McDonaldization can also be related to this map and how the fast-food industry has taken over the different regions of the world.
Observing the presence of a McDonald’s branch for almost every kilometer I travel in Metro Manila, I am quite surprised as to the number of countries with much a larger number of branches. The 5 countries with the most expensive McDonald’s burgers are also shown on the map. With this information, the readers will be able to make assumptions about the cost of living in the countries with the most expensive burgers as compared to other countries that do not appear on the map.
Apart from actually knowing the presence of the said fast-food chain in the world, this map can be used to analyze the health conditions of a particular country. Since various studies have already been conducted showing how food from McDonald’s can deteriorate health and can lead to obesity, this map will help understand the eating habits and can raise awareness on proper eating habits and diet as well.
This map shows where McDonald’s is present across the world. The map is mainly divided on two categories: countries with McDonald’s and those without. The number of McDonald’s outlets of selected countries are also on the map. The US has three times more McDonald’s branches than any other country in the world. The term McDonaldization can also be related to this map and how the fast-food industry has taken over the different regions of the world.
Observing the presence of a McDonald’s branch for almost every kilometer I travel in Metro Manila, I am quite surprised as to the number of countries with much a larger number of branches. The 5 countries with the most expensive McDonald’s burgers are also shown on the map. With this information, the readers will be able to make assumptions about the cost of living in the countries with the most expensive burgers as compared to other countries that do not appear on the map.
Apart from actually knowing the presence of the said fast-food chain in the world, this map can be used to analyze the health conditions of a particular country. Since various studies have already been conducted showing how food from McDonald’s can deteriorate health and can lead to obesity, this map will help understand the eating habits and can raise awareness on proper eating habits and diet as well.
Countries with the Most Powerful Passports
Even though technological advancements such as personal devices have been good platforms to achieve better access in different kinds of information, a passport is still a powerful weapon today. Possessing a powerful passport means that a citizen can travel to different
countries for different purposes. Being able to travel means being able to see and understand different cultures, and having new perspectives of life and everything in between. Apart from providing access to different countries, passports serve as a reflection of the geopolitics between nations and a reflection of a country’s position in a global setting. The map offers a glimpse into the power of the world's passports—ranked by the travel freedom a passport holder enjoys for the year 2014.
Tied at 173 countries, Finland, Sweden and United Kingdom hold the record for the most number of accessible countries without the need of a visa. The Philippines only has access to 58 visa-free countries. This informative map is targeted to the general public in aiming to raise their awareness of the level of accessibility they have with their passports. Additionally, the map can serve as a challenge for national governments to compromise in order to have an easier, more accessible, and visa-free access in between countries such as those countries in the Schengen Area.
Even though technological advancements such as personal devices have been good platforms to achieve better access in different kinds of information, a passport is still a powerful weapon today. Possessing a powerful passport means that a citizen can travel to different
countries for different purposes. Being able to travel means being able to see and understand different cultures, and having new perspectives of life and everything in between. Apart from providing access to different countries, passports serve as a reflection of the geopolitics between nations and a reflection of a country’s position in a global setting. The map offers a glimpse into the power of the world's passports—ranked by the travel freedom a passport holder enjoys for the year 2014.
Tied at 173 countries, Finland, Sweden and United Kingdom hold the record for the most number of accessible countries without the need of a visa. The Philippines only has access to 58 visa-free countries. This informative map is targeted to the general public in aiming to raise their awareness of the level of accessibility they have with their passports. Additionally, the map can serve as a challenge for national governments to compromise in order to have an easier, more accessible, and visa-free access in between countries such as those countries in the Schengen Area.
World’s Busiest Container Ports
Seaports indicate global trade of goods. This map was made by Seth Kadish and shows the locations of the 50 busiest container-shipping seaports in the world in 2012. How busy the seaports are depends on the unit of measure, and could refer to the weight, volume, or value of shipments. The data on the map are based on twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which is a metric of cargo capacity (volume). Values represent the total port outputs, including both filled
and empty TEUs. It must be noted that busiest seaports are not necessarily the most profitable nor the seaports that move the most cargo.
The size of the dots are scaled in a way to show the amount of goods the seaports handle. This is the main feature that is the most recognizable in the map as it aimed to show the difference between the different locations. It was scaled in a way that readers would be able to interpret that a bigger circle means a higher TEU. Based on the data, the map readers can see that the concentration of seaports along the Pacific Ocean convey that East Asia is one of the areas with the largest number of populations and plays a massive role in the global manufacturing sector. Africa and India are regions that lack the economic opportunities for people to create seaports. Additionally, these regions lack the necessary infrastructure that would support the fast growth of manufacturing.
Although this map can be viewed by the general public, it can be most useful to environmental planners, especially those in the field of port planning and analysis. These specialists can help port authorities and terminal operators evaluate, plan and develop efficient and modern terminals and seaports.
Seaports indicate global trade of goods. This map was made by Seth Kadish and shows the locations of the 50 busiest container-shipping seaports in the world in 2012. How busy the seaports are depends on the unit of measure, and could refer to the weight, volume, or value of shipments. The data on the map are based on twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which is a metric of cargo capacity (volume). Values represent the total port outputs, including both filled
and empty TEUs. It must be noted that busiest seaports are not necessarily the most profitable nor the seaports that move the most cargo.
The size of the dots are scaled in a way to show the amount of goods the seaports handle. This is the main feature that is the most recognizable in the map as it aimed to show the difference between the different locations. It was scaled in a way that readers would be able to interpret that a bigger circle means a higher TEU. Based on the data, the map readers can see that the concentration of seaports along the Pacific Ocean convey that East Asia is one of the areas with the largest number of populations and plays a massive role in the global manufacturing sector. Africa and India are regions that lack the economic opportunities for people to create seaports. Additionally, these regions lack the necessary infrastructure that would support the fast growth of manufacturing.
Although this map can be viewed by the general public, it can be most useful to environmental planners, especially those in the field of port planning and analysis. These specialists can help port authorities and terminal operators evaluate, plan and develop efficient and modern terminals and seaports.
Which Nations Have the Most English Speakers?
This interactive map, made by telegraphtravel on carto.com, shows the countries of the world that speak English. As the map above shows, the English language is spoken by more than half the population in 45 countries beyond the UK, including The Philippines, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Singapore, Austria, Finland, Malaysia, Belgium and Greece. When you hover the mouse to a country, the percentage of the country speaking the English will be seen.
As for the map symbology, the map author made use of warm colors to give emphasis on the data that was shown. To be honest, I thought that the colors were well thought off because they were easy to be distinguished on the interactive map. Furthermore, all the labels were clearly seen so the look of the overall map was very neat.
Even though it’s posted online and can be accessed by people who have internet connections, it is most useful to linguists who aim to study the languages and cultural geographers who analyze the spatial interaction between different countries. I think the target objective was met because information was presented properly. Without me hovering the mouse, I could easily get the information of which countries speak English and which do not (as seen in the screenshot).
This interactive map, made by telegraphtravel on carto.com, shows the countries of the world that speak English. As the map above shows, the English language is spoken by more than half the population in 45 countries beyond the UK, including The Philippines, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Singapore, Austria, Finland, Malaysia, Belgium and Greece. When you hover the mouse to a country, the percentage of the country speaking the English will be seen.
As for the map symbology, the map author made use of warm colors to give emphasis on the data that was shown. To be honest, I thought that the colors were well thought off because they were easy to be distinguished on the interactive map. Furthermore, all the labels were clearly seen so the look of the overall map was very neat.
Even though it’s posted online and can be accessed by people who have internet connections, it is most useful to linguists who aim to study the languages and cultural geographers who analyze the spatial interaction between different countries. I think the target objective was met because information was presented properly. Without me hovering the mouse, I could easily get the information of which countries speak English and which do not (as seen in the screenshot).
World Map of Social Networks
The map is entitled World Map of Social Networks (January 2018) made by Vincenzo Cosenza. The map author increased the map coverage to add more African countries and, as a result, Facebook appears to be stronger than ever. Currently, it is the leading social network in 152 out of 167 countries or 91% of the world. Facebook has only three competitors from all over the world for the first ranking: VK (VKontakte) and Odnoklassniki (part of the same group Mail.ru) in Russian territories, and QZone in China.
In terms of the colors, it was a great idea to use completely different colors because the data is qualitative. The choices of blue, yellow and red were good in terms of creating contrast. However, confusion can be made as to the two brown hues of the legend.
The map is targeted to all online users in order to be aware of the reach of the different social network platforms they are using. As an online user, this map was effective in terms of providing me with new information. I am aware that Facebook is banned in China, but I am unaware of the other social media platforms that are dominant in the area.
The map is entitled World Map of Social Networks (January 2018) made by Vincenzo Cosenza. The map author increased the map coverage to add more African countries and, as a result, Facebook appears to be stronger than ever. Currently, it is the leading social network in 152 out of 167 countries or 91% of the world. Facebook has only three competitors from all over the world for the first ranking: VK (VKontakte) and Odnoklassniki (part of the same group Mail.ru) in Russian territories, and QZone in China.
In terms of the colors, it was a great idea to use completely different colors because the data is qualitative. The choices of blue, yellow and red were good in terms of creating contrast. However, confusion can be made as to the two brown hues of the legend.
The map is targeted to all online users in order to be aware of the reach of the different social network platforms they are using. As an online user, this map was effective in terms of providing me with new information. I am aware that Facebook is banned in China, but I am unaware of the other social media platforms that are dominant in the area.
Remittance Flows Worldwide in 2016
Worldwide, an estimated $574 billion (USD) was sent by migrants to relatives in their home countries in 2016, a 1% decline from 2015, when the amount was $581 billion, according to economists at the World Bank. This is the second drop in global remittances since the global financial crisis. Despite this recent decline, remittances sent by migrants are still about double what they were a decade ago, before the sharp decline in the global economy during the late 2000s. The interactive map shows the Remittance Flows Worldwide in 2016.
The interactive maps focuses on the network of remittances between a country and the United States. We have 2 options to choose from—outgoing and incoming remittance flows. When an option between the two is selected, the mouse can be hovered to a country to see the actual amount of remittances made to and from the United States. The legend corresponds to the range of remittances made.
This map may seem a little complex, and so I think that the map author targets businessmen, bankers, investors and economists with this map. Additionally, for me, the map was able to meet
its objectives because it is loaded with information that are beneficial to the target audience. The layout is well-executed because it is suited for the target audience with its good color combinations.
Worldwide, an estimated $574 billion (USD) was sent by migrants to relatives in their home countries in 2016, a 1% decline from 2015, when the amount was $581 billion, according to economists at the World Bank. This is the second drop in global remittances since the global financial crisis. Despite this recent decline, remittances sent by migrants are still about double what they were a decade ago, before the sharp decline in the global economy during the late 2000s. The interactive map shows the Remittance Flows Worldwide in 2016.
The interactive maps focuses on the network of remittances between a country and the United States. We have 2 options to choose from—outgoing and incoming remittance flows. When an option between the two is selected, the mouse can be hovered to a country to see the actual amount of remittances made to and from the United States. The legend corresponds to the range of remittances made.
This map may seem a little complex, and so I think that the map author targets businessmen, bankers, investors and economists with this map. Additionally, for me, the map was able to meet
its objectives because it is loaded with information that are beneficial to the target audience. The layout is well-executed because it is suited for the target audience with its good color combinations.
iPad 2 Global Demand and Sales
The iPad 2 Global Demand and Sale map was made by eBay using their own market data. However, the graphic excludes countries with 50 or less iPad 2 sales. Data derived is based on listings sold through the United States from March 11 to 24, 2011. What’s interesting about this map is that it was able to provide the readers with loads of information, aside from just highlighting the countries in red. The 19 countries were ranked from the highest to lowest demands and sales. Also, readers will also be able to see which iPad models have dominated the sales.
Given that this map provides readers with lots of information, I would say that its target audience would be the company’s stakeholders, owners and management. The data presented will allow the said units to administer and implement proper business strategies. As for its map layout, it
would be good to establish a shade of grey that would contrast more to the white texts and adjust the font size so that it will be more visible on the map without having to zoom it. Other than that, I think has served its purpose. As a recommendation, I think it would be better if the map authors would also map the global demand and sales in years so more patterns could be observed.
The iPad 2 Global Demand and Sale map was made by eBay using their own market data. However, the graphic excludes countries with 50 or less iPad 2 sales. Data derived is based on listings sold through the United States from March 11 to 24, 2011. What’s interesting about this map is that it was able to provide the readers with loads of information, aside from just highlighting the countries in red. The 19 countries were ranked from the highest to lowest demands and sales. Also, readers will also be able to see which iPad models have dominated the sales.
Given that this map provides readers with lots of information, I would say that its target audience would be the company’s stakeholders, owners and management. The data presented will allow the said units to administer and implement proper business strategies. As for its map layout, it
would be good to establish a shade of grey that would contrast more to the white texts and adjust the font size so that it will be more visible on the map without having to zoom it. Other than that, I think has served its purpose. As a recommendation, I think it would be better if the map authors would also map the global demand and sales in years so more patterns could be observed.
Literacy Rate By Country, 2011
The interactive map, Literacy Rate By Country, 2011 was published by the Our World In Data Organization. 2011 was the chosen year for the variable time span (or most recent earlier estimate) for mapping. The data used to map was published by CIA Factbook in 2016. The legend items are percentages of the literacy rate; ranging from no data to 95%. Audiences can hover the mouse over the countries to see the exact rates. For instance, in this photo, I can see which countries fall under the 95% mark. But when I open it in the map’s source website, I point my cursor at a particular country and it will show a more accurate value. The Philippines falls under the darkest shade and when my hover the mouse at it, it will show me that 95.4% Filipinos are actually literate in the country. At first glance on the map, the readers will be able to distinguish the disparity between African countries with the rest of the world. The map can serve as an eye-opener of the current situations people from these countries with low literacy rates.
The map can be addressed to the general public; but more specifically, it can be addressed to various governments to take affirmative action in fixing the education system of countries. The map looks so clean due to the text, the positioning and color combinations and therefore, it would be very easy for the audience to understand.
The interactive map, Literacy Rate By Country, 2011 was published by the Our World In Data Organization. 2011 was the chosen year for the variable time span (or most recent earlier estimate) for mapping. The data used to map was published by CIA Factbook in 2016. The legend items are percentages of the literacy rate; ranging from no data to 95%. Audiences can hover the mouse over the countries to see the exact rates. For instance, in this photo, I can see which countries fall under the 95% mark. But when I open it in the map’s source website, I point my cursor at a particular country and it will show a more accurate value. The Philippines falls under the darkest shade and when my hover the mouse at it, it will show me that 95.4% Filipinos are actually literate in the country. At first glance on the map, the readers will be able to distinguish the disparity between African countries with the rest of the world. The map can serve as an eye-opener of the current situations people from these countries with low literacy rates.
The map can be addressed to the general public; but more specifically, it can be addressed to various governments to take affirmative action in fixing the education system of countries. The map looks so clean due to the text, the positioning and color combinations and therefore, it would be very easy for the audience to understand.