Unlike China and India, the U.S. population is predicted to persist in growing throughout the century with no expected decrease (annual population growth is about 0.9%). The Census Bureau forecasts a U.S. population of 417 million in 2060.

The U.S. population is distributed unevenly. The Census evaluates that in the U.S. population living across over 3,000 counties. A mere 140, or 4.5%, of U.S. counties, are home to approximately 50% of those people.

While some of the most significant U.S. states include historic centers of population and industry like New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, the bulk is now situated in the so-called Sunbelt. These southern and southwestern regions have been boasting economically and demographically since the 1960s (California, Texas, Florida).

As a result, nowadays, about 40% of the U.S. population lives in counties on the shore.

The visualization below shows population density in the United States using the number of people living within a 1 square kilometer grid.

The map below was created using Quantum GIS (QGIS) and Qgis2threejs plugin.

Distance between lines ten kilometers

Distance between lines one-mile

The post The U.S. Population Lines appeared first on Vivid Maps.

There are several infectious diseases that can recur every year, causing epidemics or outbreaks. Some of the most notable examples include:

• Influenza: Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The flu is known for its seasonal patterns and often recurs every year during the winter months in temperate regions. The influenza virus undergoes regular genetic changes, called antigenic drift, which allows it to evade pre-existing immunity in the population and cause new outbreaks.
• Norovirus: Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Norovirus outbreaks are common in closed settings such as schools, cruise ships, and nursing homes. While it can occur throughout the year, norovirus activity tends to peak in the winter months.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects people of all ages, but it can be particularly severe in infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. RSV outbreaks often occur in the winter months, causing respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
• Dengue fever: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. It is caused by the dengue virus and is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash. Dengue outbreaks can occur annually, especially during the rainy season when mosquito populations increase.
• Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria recurs seasonally in areas with high transmission rates, usually during and after the rainy season when mosquito populations thrive.
• Seasonal coronaviruses: Before the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19, there were already four known human coronaviruses that caused mild respiratory illnesses. These seasonal coronaviruses (HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-229E, and HCoV-NL63) tend to circulate in the population, causing common cold-like symptoms, and often exhibit seasonal patterns.

After the coronovirus pandemic is over, it is very important to monitor the emergence of new pandemics and epidemics.

Epidemic Tracker by Metabiota tracks ongoing epidemics and structures epidemic data for analysis across events. Epidemic Tracker considers an event to be ongoing if a report containing data on the epidemic has been published in the last 90 days.

Metabiota team identifies epidemics by monitoring diverse reporting sources and captures data from significant events in a database. If an epidemic is detected, the characteristics of the event are evaluated to determine if the event will be included in the database. The intent of this approach is to identify high-priority events that pose a significant risk to health and/or societal, economic, or political stability.

Data for high-priority events are collected, structured, and validated by Metabiota’s digital surveillance experts. The data structuring process is designed to produce the most reliable estimates possible of the distribution of reported cases and deaths over space and time, to support analysis. As such, there may be an observed delay between when cases and death data are reported and when the epidemic is initially observed. Data displayed in the Epidemic Tracker are aggregated statistics generated from more granular data available in the subscription version of Metabiota’s software suite, which contains a wide range of additional advanced analytical tools and data.

The post Current epidemics around the globe appeared first on Vivid Maps.

t-SNE is a machine learning algorithm that can visually group similar data points together without knowing anything about the actual data. Think of every country as a data point that has a number of properties, t-SNE will search for local and global similarities between the countries and place closer to each other on this map.

Every bubble is a country representing various indicators, such as Population, GDP, GINI index, Happy Planet Index, etc.

Different colors represent different continents, the size of a bubble is related to the population of its country. You will be able to change this later.

The post Countries by Similarity appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Santander Cycles provides a network of docking stations where users can rent and return bicycles. Users can purchase access for a day, a week, or a year. After accessing a bicycle from a docking station, users can ride it to their destination and return it to any nearby docking station.

The Santander Cycles fleet in September 2021 consisted of over 12,000 bicycles available at around 750 docking stations. This makes it one of the largest public bike-sharing systems in the world.

The scheme contributes to reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion in the city. It’s estimated that the use of Santander Cycles has saved over 32,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions since its launch.

Below is the map created by Oliver O’Brien that shows 12.4 million bicycle trips taken on the Barclays Cycle Hire system in London for over 7 months, from 13 December 2013 to 19 July 2014. Thickness of each section on the map conforms to the calculated number of bikeshare bikes moving along that section. The busiest segment of all this time is on Tavistock Place, a very popular cycle route just south of the Euston Road in Bloomsbury.

Hre is interactive map of the docking stations created by Oliver O’Brien.

Below is another interactive map created by Ilya Boyandin using Greater London Authority‘s data, that shows the numbers of trips between the stations of London’s Santander Cycle Hire Scheme in 2017. This dataset represents around 1.5 million trips. These are about 34% of all trips made in 2017, retaining the top ten thousand origin-destination pairs with the highest numbers of trips.

To learn more about bicycle transportation have a look at these recommended books:

• Cyclogeography: Journeys of a London Bicycle Courier
• The Divide: A 2700 Mile Search For Answers
• Bicycle Book

You can also search for the bike you want on Amazon.

The post London Bicycle Hires Mapped appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Apartment buildings are illegal to build in 73.5% of San Francisco. San Francisco has enacted strict zoning regulations. Among other restrictions, San Francisco does not allow buildings over 40 feet tall in most of the city. Partly as a result of these codes, from 2007 to 2014, the Bay Area issued building permits for only half the number of needed houses, based on the area’s population growth. At the same time, there has been rapid economic growth of the high-tech industry in San Francisco, which has created hundreds of thousands of new jobs. The resultant high demand for housing, combined with the lack of supply, has caused dramatic increases in rents and extremely high housing prices.

San Francisco has a complex set of regulations and considerations that influence high-rise construction within the city. These regulations are intended to balance the need for new development with concerns related to seismic safety, neighborhood character, environmental impact, and infrastructure capacity.

The city’s zoning code designates different areas for various types of land use and development. Zoning regulations can include height limits, setbacks, density restrictions, and other requirements that determine how tall a building can be in a specific area.

San Francisco has set maximum building heights for different zoning districts. These height limits can vary significantly from one area to another. The city uses a combination of absolute height limits and bulk and massing controls to ensure that new buildings fit within the context of their surroundings.

The downtown area and the Transbay district have specific zoning designations that allow for taller buildings. However, even within these districts, there are regulations in place to manage the density and scale of new development.

To help solve San Francisco’s housing crisis, Asheem Mamoowala compared actual building heights in San Francisco with their allowed building heights and created the map of unused building height allowance in San Francisco.

Want to learn more about San Francisco? Then you might like to read:

• Fodor’s San Francisco: with the best of Napa & Sonoma (Full-color Travel Guide)
• San Francisco, California Wall Map

The post San Francisco’s Housing Crisis appeared first on Vivid Maps.

At the heart of the Christmas dinner table stands the roast turkey, the undisputed star of the show. This plump bird is expertly prepared, often stuffed with a fragrant mixture of ingredients like breadcrumbs, herbs, onions, and sometimes sausage meat. It undergoes a slow and meticulous roasting process, resulting in succulent, tender meat with crispy, golden-brown skin.

Accompanying the turkey are a range of delightful sides that contribute to the holiday feast’s abundance and variety. Roast potatoes, parboiled and then crisped up in hot oil or fat, are a quintessential addition, as are “pigs in blankets” – small sausages lovingly swathed in bacon. Stuffing, a flavorful mixture, can either be cooked inside the turkey or served as separate stuffing balls, each variation offering its own unique charm.

A rich and savory gravy, made from the turkey’s flavorful drippings, is generously poured over the bird and sides, infusing the entire plate with warmth and moisture. Alongside the turkey and its accompaniments, an assortment of vegetables adds color and balance to the meal. Brussels sprouts, carrots, peas, and perhaps parsnips are among the favorites, often prepared by boiling or steaming.

Condiments play a significant role in enhancing the flavors of the main dishes. Cranberry sauce, sweet and tart, is a classic companion to the turkey, providing a burst of contrast to the savory elements. Bread sauce, a creamy concoction featuring milk, breadcrumbs, and spices like cloves, is another beloved fixture on the table.

For those who choose to incorporate Yorkshire pudding, this savory, puffy delight made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk can be a delightful addition to soak up the rich gravy.

As the meal progresses, the focus shifts from savory to sweet. Christmas pudding, a dense, spiced, and fruity steamed pudding, takes center stage for dessert. Often, it is doused in brandy and dramatically set alight before being served, accompanied by a luscious brandy butter or custard sauce. Mince pies, small and sweet, filled with a fragrant mixture of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes a hint of alcohol, provide another sweet note to the culinary symphony.

After the main feast, a cheeseboard may make an appearance, featuring a selection of British cheeses and crackers, sometimes accompanied by chutney or pickles.

Throughout the meal, various beverages complement the culinary delights, with wine, sherry, or mulled wine being popular choices.

The dot density map below created by locationinsights.co.uk shows where classic Christmas dinner items are grown in England! .

1 dot = 100 Turkeys
1 dot = 100 Pigs (in blankets)
1 dot = 10ha Potatoes
1 dot = 10ha Vegetables

Fun Facts

• There are ~3.9m Turkeys in England, 1.3m are in Norfolk. In Herefordshire Turkeys outnumber people 2.2:1.
• In total there are ~129m poultry birds in England.
• There are also ~3.9m pigs in England, ~800,000 of which are in North Yorkshire (where there are more pigs than humans).
• There are >100,000 hectares of potatoes and 65,000 hectares of “Other Veg” across England. The number of hectares of potatoes was almost 4 times higher in 1945.

A comparison of classic Christmas dinner items in 1945 and today within Greater London.:

The post The Christmas Dinner interactive map appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Regional Disparities

One of the defining features of health inequality in the UK is its spatial nature. Certain regions, particularly in urban areas and deprived communities, experience higher rates of disease, shorter life expectancy, and poorer health outcomes compared to more affluent areas. For example, research has shown that individuals living in the most deprived areas are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses.

The map below, created by uea.ac.uk, shows the leading causes of death in every area and the number of years of life lost per 100,000 population.

Access to Healthcare

Access to healthcare services plays a crucial role in determining health outcomes. In some areas, there is a shortage of healthcare facilities, including GP practices and hospitals, leading to longer waiting times and reduced access to essential services. This lack of access can result in delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment, contributing to poorer health outcomes in these areas.

Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health, such as income, education, employment, and housing, also contribute significantly to health inequality. Individuals living in deprived areas often face higher levels of unemployment, lower educational attainment, and inadequate housing conditions, all of which can have a detrimental impact on their health.

Public Health Interventions

Addressing health inequality requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond the healthcare system. Public health interventions aimed at addressing the social determinants of health, such as improving education, reducing poverty, and providing affordable housing, can help tackle the root causes of health inequality and improve overall health outcomes.

The post Health Inequality in the UK appeared first on Vivid Maps.

The Birth of America’s Highway Network

When President Dwight Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act on June 29, 1956, he set in motion a transformation that would reshape the United States. The act called for a 41,000-mile “National System of Interstate and Defense Highways” designed to eliminate unsafe roads, inefficient routes, and traffic bottlenecks.

Eisenhower’s vision wasn’t just about making travel easier. His experiences during World War I, when he participated in the U.S. Army’s first transcontinental motor convoy, showed him firsthand how poor roads could hamper military mobility. Later, his observations of Germany’s autobahn system during World War II convinced him that America needed a similar network of high-speed roads.

Watching the Network Grow

The animation below tells a remarkable story of American engineering and determination. Over six decades, workers laid down more than 49,000 miles of highway, connecting cities and communities across the continental United States.

Some fascinating facts about the system:

• The project used enough concrete to build a wall 9 feet thick and 50 feet high around the world
• Interstate construction moved enough earth to cover Connecticut two feet deep in soil
• The system serves 90% of all urban areas with populations over 50,000
• About one-quarter of all vehicle miles driven in the U.S. use the Interstate system

Understanding the Numbers: How Interstates Are Named

Have you ever wondered why some highways are named I-95 while others are I-10? The numbering system follows a careful logic that helps drivers navigate:

• Major routes run north-south and use odd numbers (I-5, I-95)
• East-west routes use even numbers (I-10, I-90)
• Numbers increase from west to east and south to north
• Three-digit numbers indicate bypasses or spurs

Looking for More U.S. Maps?

For those interested in exploring more maps of the United States, here are some recommended options available on Amazon:

• National Geographic Road Atlas: Adventure Edition
• United States Wall Map by Maps International
• Rand McNally Classic United States Wall Map

The post The Evolution of the U.S. Interstate Highway System: A Network That Shaped America appeared first on Vivid Maps.

The map uses a simple but effective color scheme: blue dots represent homeowners, while red dots show renters. While the data is accurate to the census block level, individual positions within each block are randomized to protect privacy while maintaining statistical accuracy.

What immediately stands out is how the map reveals both expected and surprising patterns. Dense urban cores typically show more red, indicating a higher concentration of renters, while suburban and rural areas tend toward blue, showing higher rates of homeownership.

Every Home Owner and Renter in New York City

New York City shows one of the most striking patterns in the country. Manhattan appears as an intense cluster of red dots, reflecting its 69% renter rate – one of the highest in the nation. According to the NYU Furman Center‘s latest housing report, this trend has only intensified since the map’s creation.

Every Home Owner and Renter in Los Angeles

Los Angeles presents a fascinating mix, with clear divisions between renter-heavy urban cores and owner-dominated suburbs. The stark contrast between coastal and inland areas tells a story about property values and housing accessibility.

Every Home Owner and Renter in San Francisco

The Bay Area’s housing pattern reflects its unique geography and economics. Dense renter populations cluster around San Francisco and Oakland, while suburban areas like Marin County and the Peninsula show stronger homeownership patterns.

Every Home Owner and Renter in Chicago

Chicago’s map reveals clear socioeconomic boundaries, with distinct patterns between the city’s North and South sides. The suburban ring around the city core shows strong homeownership rates, typical of many Midwestern metropolitan areas.

The Housing Landscape Today

While this visualization uses 2010 Census data, recent trends suggest even more dramatic shifts in housing patterns. The Urban Institute reports that national homeownership rates have fluctuated significantly, with notable changes in major metropolitan areas.

For those interested in decorative maps of the United States, here are some noteworthy options available on Amazon:

• Antique Style USA Map
• Map of The United States Wall Decor Map
• Scratch Off Map of The United States

About the Data

This visualization was created by Ryan Thorpe Miller using block-level data from the 2010 U.S. Census. While individual dots are randomized within each census block, the overall patterns accurately represent the true distribution of owners and renters across the country.

Have you noticed similar housing patterns in your area? The comments section below is open for your observations and experiences with local housing trends.

The post Every Home Owner and Renter in the U.S.: A Dot-by-Dot View of American Housing appeared first on Vivid Maps.

This detailed visualization, created by data scientist Mike Bostock, presents the percentage change in deaths per 100,000 people due to alcohol use disorders between 1980 and 2014. The map reveals striking regional variations across the United States over these 34 years.

Looking at the long-term trends shown on the map, several notable patterns emerge:

• Significant decreases (shown in blue) occurred in:
  • California south of the Bay Area
  • Southern Arizona
  • Southern New Mexico
  • Southern Texas
  • Virginia
  • North and South Carolina
  • Georgia
  • Albany
• Most other regions experienced increases
• Massachusetts showed particularly pronounced increases (shown in red).

These long-term trends spanning over three decades provide valuable insights into regional differences in public health outcomes and the effectiveness of various state-level policies and interventions.

Recent data from the CDC paints an alarming picture. According to the National Center for Health Statistics report, alcohol-induced deaths increased dramatically from 2019 to 2020. The age-adjusted death rate rose by 26%, with males experiencing significantly higher rates (18.6 per 100,000) compared to females (8.0). The increase was particularly notable among adults aged 25-54.

The timing of this sharp increase coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which fundamentally changed many aspects of daily life. Several factors contributed to this concerning trend:

The pandemic brought:

• Prolonged isolation during lockdowns
• Limited access to in-person support groups and treatment
• Increased stress and anxiety
• Job losses and financial uncertainty
• Changes in alcohol accessibility through expanded delivery services

These challenges compounded existing issues with alcohol use across the country. While the historical map shows some regions made significant progress in reducing alcohol-related deaths between 1980 and 2014, particularly in parts of California, Texas, and the Southeast, today’s nationwide increase in mortality rates calls for renewed attention to this public health crisis.

Some regions’ successful approaches to reducing alcohol-related deaths offer valuable insights. Communities that achieved significant reductions often implemented comprehensive strategies including:

• Improving access to healthcare and treatment programs
• Building strong support networks
• Funding evidence-based prevention programs
• Providing extensive public health education
• Creating accessible treatment options

If you’re concerned about alcohol use – whether for yourself or someone else – it’s important to recognize early warning signs of alcohol use disorders:

• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Difficulty controlling or cutting down alcohol consumption
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
• Needing to drink more to get the same effect
• Continuing to drink despite problems with relationships or work
• Giving up activities you once enjoyed in favor of drinking

Understanding your risk factors is equally important:

• Family history of alcohol use disorders (genetics play a significant role)
• Personal history of mental health conditions
• Early age of first alcohol use
• Trauma or high-stress levels
• Environmental factors like social pressure or easy alcohol access

Several proven support options are available:

• Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and screening
• Join local support groups for community-based help
• Contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for 24/7 confidential support
• Access treatment programs through your state health department

The combination of historical data and recent trends demonstrates that while this is a complex public health challenge, positive change is possible through coordinated individual and community efforts.

If you’re interested in exploring these geographic patterns further, consider these educational map resources available on Amazon:

• Rand McNally United States Interstate Fold Map
• National Geographic Maps: United States Contemporary Wall Map
• Map of USA 50 States with Capitals Poster

The post Mapping the Changing Landscape of Alcohol-Related Mortality in America appeared first on Vivid Maps.