Application of cartographic visualization methods to assess the state of the social sphere at the municipal level

The article presents one of the most common options for visualizing statistical information using the cartographic method. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the application of the cartographic method to assess the state of the social sphere at the municipal level, since integral cartographic works (atlases) are very rare for municipalities. The object of mapping is the social sphere of the Sheksninsky Municipal District of the Vologda Oblast. Considering that the social needs play a huge role in the municipality’s development, the use of cartographic methods and the subsequent working-out of the municipality’s atlas is a very relevant topic. The mapped data provides information about basic industries that serve the social needs: education, healthcare, cultural and sports leisure, recreation, etc. Thus, the purpose of the work is to offer options for visualizing statistical information of the social sphere of the Sheksninsky Municipal District using cartographic methods for the subsequent working-out of a geographical atlas. To achieve the purpose, we set the following tasks: to study the classifications of atlases; to identify the principles of construction and selection of cartographic materials, programs for creating maps and sketch-map in atlases; to work out a methodology for a thematic atlas of the municipality; to create an atlas of the social sphere for the territory of the Sheksninsky Municipal District of the Vologda Oblast. The sources of information are the data of the official portal of the municipality and rural settlements, the resources of the Vologda Regional Scientific Library and the database of graduate qualification works of the Vologda State University. The work has used stock materials of the departments of the Administration of the Sheksninsky District, the library and club system, as well as stock materials of educational organizations. We have used the following methods to perform the work: cartographic, statistical, survey of respondents, description, modeling, analysis and synthesis, generalization. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using cartographic materials in the practice of municipal administration on the social sphere development of the territory.