This paper will juxtapose the effectiveness of conventional methods of graphical cartography and GIS-interpolation methods in presenting the population distribution of the Baghdad Governorate in 2023. The study touches upon the efficiency of two types of cartographic techniques to present demographic data and is concerned with the speed and clearness of the visual perception. The analysis involves the use of traditional techniques (square, triangle, column and divided circle) and the GIS techniques (Kernel Smoothing, Kriging and Inverse Distance weighting) to describe the male, female and aggregate population. Fifty respondents used their comprehension speed on the maps as the sample. The findings demonstrate that the traditional techniques, especially the square, triangle and the divided circle, gave faster understanding and they scored 9/10 within 2 seconds. Conversely, GIS-based techniques, including Kernel Smoothing, depicted a sharp underperformance in visual perception, with a score of 2/10 in 20 seconds only. These GIS techniques though accurate in spatial interpolation, were not very clear especially at the district level hence limiting their application in urban planning. The research also brings out the issue of the difficulty in representing both sexes in one map through the use of GIS. Based on the results, traditional techniques are more effective in visualizing demographics because they are clearer and faster, particularly in the setting of urban planning, where fast decision-making is paramount. There is need to conduct further research to refine GIS techniques so as to enhance visual perception and district-accurate which will be more beneficial to urban planners and resource managers.
