This question is about data visualization and statistical graphics. I have been trying to present statistical data in map. The data is at county level in the US and also at time state level. My data looks some what similar to the one below (sourced from here).
There are two issues with Choropleth maps, small counties tend to be lost and in addition small states (Like Rhode Island, Delaware) cannot be shown. My second problem is it has been hard to engage the audience in the choropleth maps. The heat map such as the one shown below does discriminate the high low values well enough.
I have read few books on data visualization, and none of them seem to have alternative presentation to choropleth maps. So my question is are there any alternative to Choropleth maps to present statistical data?