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Connection Map

Connection Map

Connection maps, also known as ray maps or link maps, display connections between locations on a map. They can thus be compared to flow maps, which shows information/object flow from one location to the other, without the directional arrows, or varying thickness of connectors. Rather than indicating flow, the connection map simply highlights that the areas are linked to one another. The connection map can help identify patterns regarding the distribution of connections over geography. They can also be used to show how locations are connected through a chain of links, and are commonly used to display flight routes on a map. However, too many overlapping connections may cause confusion.

Image source: Selected CIA Aircraft Routes and Rendition Flights 2001-2006, Trevor Paglen and John Emerson