Dasymetric Mapping

Dasymetric mapping is a cartographic and areal-interpolation technique that redistributes data reported for arbitrary administrative zones — such as census counts — onto more meaningful boundaries derived from ancillary information about where the phenomenon actually occurs. Instead of pretending population is spread evenly across a census tract, it uses land cover or land use to push people into the residential parts and out of lakes, parks, and industry, producing a far more realistic population surface while preserving each zone's reported total.