Define 'cartographic representation' as used in planning.

Cartographic representation refers to the practice of visually depicting spatial data through maps. This technique is critical in planning as it allows planners to convey complex information about geographic areas in a clear and understandable way. By creating maps, planners can illustrate various features such as land use, infrastructure, environmental considerations, and demographic distributions, enabling stakeholders to easily grasp patterns and relationships in the spatial data.

Maps serve as a vital communication tool, facilitating discussions among planning teams, community members, and decision-makers. They help in identifying issues, opportunities for development, and resource allocation by providing a clear spatial context. This form of representation is integral to urban planning, environmental management, and location analysis, making it a fundamental aspect of the planning process. The other options—tools for financial analysis, graphic depictions of statistics, and methods for creating zoning laws—do not capture the essence of cartographic representation as it primarily relates to spatial visualization through maps.