explanatory maps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explanatory maps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to maps that provide explanations or additional information about a specific area, concept, or data set. Example: "The report included several explanatory maps to help visualize the data trends over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

72 Theory takes many forms, some informal, some highly structured: explanatory maps and models that make sense of complex situations; statements that call out testable causal relationships; sweeping generalisations that cover broad areas of interest; concrete descriptions of intervention methods and their mechanisms of action.

BMJ Quality and Safety

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

By emphasizing the need to structure the use of diverse analytic approaches with sound experimentation, our framework promotes an explanatory mapping between the workings of the cognitive mind and the large-scale network mechanisms of the human brain.

NeuroImage

Therefore, this article proposes an explanatory hazard mapping approach based on observational design.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

According to Ashour and Eltehiwy (2013), the reliability function, also called the survival function, is the characteristic of an explanatory variable that maps a set of events, usually associated with mortality or failure of some system onto time.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

Legends explain the less obvious symbols on many maps, while explanatory sheets or booklets are available for most standard series, providing general data as well as symbol information.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although providing no explanatory information, these choropleth maps illustrate the marked geographic variation in diabetes prevalence and detection across China at the provincial level.

Diabetes Care

The online survey comprised 16 pages of 31 questions designed to measure participant views on data classification (Figure 2), map content (Figure 3), key expression, hazard curves (Figure 4), map colour scheme (Figure 5), explanatory text (Figure 6), and map format.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Append an explanatory paragraph to your map.

The New York Times

Furthermore, behavioral modernity does also not represent a useful functional kind, for it offers no explanatory role in the mapping of artifacts and mental architectures.

Quaternary International

The mapping of explanatory factors also evidences the importance of other variables of linear deployment such as power lines, railroads, and forestry tracks.

Applied Geography

The same proportion of respondents also viewed explanatory text on the map as important to some degree, with 50.5% ranking it "very important".

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating "explanatory maps", ensure that the visual elements directly correlate with the data or concept you are explaining. A well-designed legend and clear labeling are crucial for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid including excessive details on your "explanatory maps". Prioritize essential elements and use a clean, uncluttered design to prevent overwhelming the viewer and diluting the map's explanatory power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explanatory maps" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "explanatory" modifies the noun "maps". It describes maps that serve the purpose of explaining or illustrating something. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explanatory maps" are visual aids designed to clarify and illustrate complex information. Though Ludwig indicates its use is limited, the phrase is grammatically sound and serves a clear purpose in contexts like science, news, and education. When using "explanatory maps", focus on clarity and avoid overcrowding the map with too much information. Consider alternatives like "descriptive maps" or "annotated maps" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descriptive maps

Focuses on the map's quality of detailing information.

annotated maps

Emphasizes the presence of notes and labels for clarification.

illustrative maps

Highlights the map's function as a visual representation to clarify a concept.

interpretive maps

Stresses the role of the map in helping to understand complex data.

elucidating maps

Highlights the map's effectiveness in making something clearer.

informative cartography

Uses a more formal term for map-making focused on providing data.

diagrammatic maps

Emphasizes the use of maps as diagrams to explain something.

clarifying maps

Focuses on the map's ability to remove confusion.

instructive maps

Highlights the map's educational value.

maps with legends

Highlights the presence of map elements that provides extra context/insight.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "explanatory maps" in a presentation?

Incorporate "explanatory maps" to visually represent complex data or concepts. Ensure the map is clear, well-labeled, and directly supports your narrative. Introduce the map's purpose and key elements before diving into detailed analysis.

What are some alternatives to calling them "explanatory maps"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "descriptive maps", "annotated maps", or "illustrative maps". The best choice depends on the specific function and content of the map.

What makes a map truly "explanatory"?

An "explanatory map" goes beyond simple representation; it clarifies relationships, patterns, or processes. Key features include clear labeling, a comprehensive legend, and a design that highlights the information you intend to explain.

Where can I find good examples of "explanatory maps"?

Look for examples in academic journals, scientific publications, and reputable news sources that use maps to support their reporting or research. Online resources like the National Geographic website also offer excellent examples.