The Population Density Map of the Greater Cairo Region Comparison of 2017 Choropleth Map and Dasymetric Map

Abstract

Although the choropleth method is considered among the easiest cartographic methods, it lacks accurate representation of the real population density. In this regard, dasymetric maps offer the better alternative, especially for heterogonous spaces and those exhibit intense spatial dynamic, like the Greater Cairo Region, which has the highest population and population density among various Egyptian governorates. The current study aims mainly at comparing the dasymetric mapping technique with the choropleth mapping technique for studying the population density in the Greater Cairo Region. To this end, the satellite image processing and ArcGIS (version 10.6.1) were used. For instance, it was found, in the choropleth map, that the population density category ranged from 161.415 to 270.922 person per km2 occupied 1% of the total area of 1481 km2; whereas, in the dasymetric map, the population density category ranged from 139.986 to 761044 person per km2 concentrated in only 0.4% of the total area of 648 km2. Thus it is clear that the dasymetric mapping technique is more representative of the realistic population density distribution, because it eliminates all land uses except the residential land use. Conclusively, it is highly recommended to use the dasymetric mapping technique rather than the choropleth method.