The handbook sets forth standards of cartographic presentation of statistical data, thus responding to the growing demand for information shown in the territorial and spatial contexts. This demand necessitates constant enhancement of the forms of statistical presentation of data – not only as tables and charts, but also on maps.

The book also attempts to respond to challenges posed by the recent development of modern tools for data presentation and analysis. It offers a synthesis of cartographic presentation methods, as well as recommendations and good practices in this field. Intended as a set of guidelines on how to make a statistical map adhering to the principles of graphic cartographic presentation, it shows the ways to overcome the limitations of the available IT tools in this respect.

A properly constructed map is one of the basic forms of visualisation enabling a fast and effective perception of data indicating spatial relations between phenomena. Bearing this in mind, the authors provide theoretical background and practical guidelines on how to use statistical maps, what kind of content can be presented on them and how to properly make maps intended for statistical publications.

The book is divided into six chapters that address the most important issues in the context of map preparation:

1. Elements of a statistical map;
2. Base map;
3. Applications of GIS – data management and preparation for map creation;
4. Elements of spatial analysis;
5. Cartographic data presentation methods;
6. Statistical map editing guidelines.

The handbook contains numerous maps, most of which were prepared specially for this publication. The maps which refer to Poland or its regions were based mostly on data provided by the Polish official statistics.

This edition, addressed to international readers, is the adaptation of Statistics Poland’s 2017 publication in Polish which won the 3rd award at the International Cartographic Exhibition in Tokyo in July 2019.