Maps and Data
Learn
Economists use maps, charts, graphs, and tables to show information about the economy. Learning to read these visual tools helps you understand economic patterns and make smart decisions. In this lesson, you'll learn how to interpret different types of economic data displays.
Why Use Visual Data?
Numbers alone can be hard to understand. A chart showing that prices went up 50% is much easier to grasp than reading "prices increased from $2.00 to $3.00." Visual data helps us see patterns, compare information, and understand complex economic ideas quickly!
Types of Economic Data Displays
Bar Graphs
Compare amounts between different categories or groups
Line Graphs
Show how something changes over time
Pie Charts
Show parts of a whole (like how a budget is divided)
Economic Maps
Show economic information by location or region
Data Tables
Organize numbers and facts in rows and columns
Pictographs
Use pictures or symbols to represent data
Reading a Bar Graph
Bar graphs use bars to compare different amounts. The taller the bar, the bigger the number!
What Can We Learn From This Graph?
- Allowance generally increases with grade level
- Grade 7 students get more than 3 times what Grade 3 students get
- The biggest jump is between Grade 6 and Grade 7 ($2.50 increase)
- This data could help a 5th grader know what to expect in future years
Reading a Line Graph
Line graphs show how things change over time. The line goes up when values increase and down when they decrease.
Reading the Line Graph
- Milk prices were relatively stable from 2019-2020
- Prices started rising in 2021 and peaked in 2022
- This spike was related to inflation (when prices go up across the economy)
- Prices came down slightly in 2023-2024 but stayed higher than before
Reading a Data Table
Tables organize information in rows and columns, making it easy to look up specific facts and compare numbers.
| Product | Price in 2000 | Price in 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movie Ticket | $5.39 | $11.75 | +118% |
| Gallon of Gas | $1.51 | $3.50 | +132% |
| Postage Stamp | $0.33 | $0.68 | +106% |
| Loaf of Bread | $0.99 | $2.75 | +178% |
| Video Game | $49.99 | $69.99 | +40% |
Reading an Economic Map
Economic maps use colors or shading to show how economic data varies by location.
$16.28
$14.70
$10.30
$7.25
$10.85
$16.00
$12.00
$7.25
$11.20
$7.25
$14.35
$14.42
$12.00
$14.00
$16.00
What Does This Map Tell Us?
- Regional patterns: West Coast states tend to have higher minimum wages
- State decisions: Each state sets its own minimum wage (above federal minimum)
- Cost of living: States with higher wages often have higher costs of living too
- Economic impact: Where you live affects how much you can earn at entry-level jobs
Examples
Let's practice reading economic data with some real-world examples.
Analyzing the Data
This survey shows consumer behavior - how people (in this case, students) choose to spend their money. Notice that snacks are the most popular, which makes sense because they're small purchases that give immediate satisfaction. Savings comes in third - showing that some 5th graders are thinking about the future!
| School Supply | Store A | Store B | Store C | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pack of Pencils (12) | $2.99 | $1.99 | $2.49 | Store B |
| Notebook | $3.50 | $4.00 | $2.75 | Store C |
| Backpack | $24.99 | $29.99 | $27.50 | Store A |
| Markers (10 pack) | $5.99 | $4.50 | $5.25 | Store B |
Using Data to Make Decisions
This comparison table shows why it pays to shop around! If a family bought all items from just one store, they would pay:
- Store A: $37.47
- Store B: $40.48
- Store C: $37.99
But by shopping at different stores for the best deals, they could pay only $34.23 - saving over $3!
Practice
Use what you've learned about reading maps and data to answer these questions.
Check Your Understanding
Bar Graphs
Compare different amounts. Taller bars = bigger numbers.
Line Graphs
Show change over time. Lines going up = increasing values.
Data Tables
Organize numbers in rows and columns for easy comparison.
Economic Maps
Show how data varies by location using colors and shading.
Read Titles First
Always check what the chart is measuring before analyzing.
Look for Patterns
Notice trends, biggest/smallest values, and unusual points.
Key Takeaways
- Visual data makes complex economic information easier to understand
- Bar graphs are best for comparing different categories
- Line graphs are best for showing changes over time
- Tables help organize exact numbers for precise comparisons
- Maps show how economic data varies by location
- Always read titles and labels to understand what data shows
- Data literacy helps you make better economic decisions
Next Steps
- Find a graph or chart in a newspaper or online and practice reading it
- Create your own bar graph showing how you spend your time each day
- Compare prices at different stores for something you want to buy
- Look for economic maps showing data about your state or country