What Do Those Dots Mean? Mapping Theories with Data

Criminologists have expanded their use of maps as the costs of mapping have plummeted. Using two cases of drug dealing, this paper examines the way in which theory influences how we interpret maps. The first study is a hypothetical case using fictitious data; the second, an actual case using real data. We show that when the explicit theoretical content of maps is low, it is difficult to interpret the data. As the theoretical content of maps increases, their utility increases. We show that theory also enhances the utility of computer algorithms designed to find point clusters on maps. The implications for crime control and prevention practitioners and researchers are discussed.