Graphical methods with a mathematical basis are increasingly used as a form
of visualisation such as diagrams, charts, statistical plots, maps. This study utilises
the map as a means to graphically communicate estimates of household living
standards (HLS) in Kigali. Increasingly in many countries, poverty and welfare
indicator maps are used to inform decision making and in designing poverty
reduction interventions from the local to national level. Since poverty levels
have space and time components, GIS based visualisation of HLS becomes
important as it allows the display and representation of indicators which
aids the understanding of the causes of poverty in Kigali. Poverty levels are
estimated using Household living standard indicators from the Integrated Living
Condition survey (EICV: Enquête Intégrale sur les Conditions de vie des ménages)
conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda in 2000-2001. Three
indicators were employed in the visualisation of household living standard in
Kigali, namely: health, education and access to services. Through these indicators,
we seek to capture the overall pattern of poverty level. Poverty estimates are
depicted as graphic symbols on maps through which information is transferred
to the map user. The idea is to communicate HLS assessment results graphically
to users, especially decision makers who may not be mapping specialists. These
kinds of information are useful to the Kigali administration as input into devising
appropriate strategies to improve living conditions in the city.