When a Map Is Worth One-Thousand Anovas: Applications of Statistical Cartography in Special Education Research and Planning

Abstract

Statistical cartography, the production of statistical maps, has been widely used in fields such as medicine, geophysics, criminology, linguistics, and biology to address questions concerning the spatial distribution of phenomena. Recent advances in computer hardware and software have made it possible to produce statistical maps rapidly and economically. Few applications of the methodology in special ecuation research and planning have yet surfaced, however. The article describes the basic methods and procedures of computerized statistical cartography and provides several suggestions for its application in special education research and planning, both state and national. A study of regional low-incidence handicap service patterns is presented. Included are examples of special education service maps produced by computer.