Keep choropleth colors comparable across two years

The direct answer

Use the same numeric color domain when comparing internet-use maps for 2000 and 2023. If each map automatically rescales, the same shade can represent a different percentage and make a large change look smaller than it is.

Prepare the observation table

The prepared file keeps internet_2000_pct and internet_2023_pct beside the same iso3 codes. Make two views with the same boundaries and a 0–100 percentage domain. If the current map controls cannot lock identical breaks, use paired bars for the comparison instead.

Public dataset and a reproducible example

The download is a prepared extract, not a live data connection. The source links below include the original query, observation period and reuse policy. Keep an original copy when you update the data; revised source values can change the result.

World Bank WDI values retain the indicator units and country-year definitions. Derived counts and indexes are Datamon tutorial calculations, not new official World Bank statistics.

Snapshot retrieved: 2026-10-26. Prepared rows: 10.

Download the prepared CSVDownload the reference SVG

Build it in Datamon

Sign in with Google to create an editable visualization. Public articles and examples can be read without an account. The prepared CSV already contains the joins, filters or aggregations described above; do those steps in a spreadsheet first when using your own data.

1. Open Data and choose a file, or paste the table with its header row. Check the detected numeric columns, decimal separator and dates. The current importer accepts files below 20 MB; these examples are smaller. Keep blanks distinct from recorded zeros.
2. In Visualize, select Choropleth map. Connect the roles exactly as listed below. Review the preview against at least two rows in the example table rather than relying only on automatic mapping.
3. In Refine, add a title that states the question, the unit, observation period and source. Check labels and contrast at the size your reader will see. Keep a table when exact values matter.
4. Use the export controls for SVG, PNG, PDF or PowerPoint, then inspect the actual file. Save an editable project backup. Publish only after checking the underlying values: a public link makes the published data available to anyone possessing the URL.

Calculation and column mapping

The rule below is pseudocode. The downloadable CSV already contains the prepared values; spreadsheet functions and cell references depend on your sheet layout.

Use identical 0–100 domains for both year views; paired maps use the same 0–100 scale

Region

iso3

Value

internet_2000_pct

Read the result

The preview maps 10 source records; unselected countries are not zero values.

Use the preview to check the structure and the CSV to check exact values. Its styling is a reference; your Datamon rendering can look different. Follow the mapping and preparation above to reproduce the analytical meaning.

Mistakes that change the meaning

Quantile groups express relative position within each distribution. They do not maintain a constant numeric meaning across years unless the actual break values are fixed. Include both legends and a table of exact rates.

Questions before sharing

What is free and what needs an account?

Reading this guide and downloading its CSV and chart images are free. Datamon currently has no paid checkout or subscription plans in this deployment. Creating and saving an editable visualization requires Google sign-in. Provider-backed AI, cloud analysis, publishing and video depend on configured services; this guide does not promise unlimited free connected services.

Sources and further reading

• World Bank WDI · internet_pct
• World Bank WDI · internet_pct · API / CSV
• World Bank WDI · internet_pct · License / policy
• Data sources, queries and reuse notes
• Datamon · Blog
• Visualize choropleth map: easy guide, free example