Maps Lab

In learning about maps the four we focused on were the choropleth, dot density, proportional symbol map and isopleth.

Choropleth Map:

Areas on a Choropleth map are shaded or patterned in order to differentiate the proportion of statistics the map is based off of. This type of map makes it easy to visualize the different proportions of studies over a geographic area on a big scale and also can bode easy for visualizing a region on a smaller scale. Below is an example of a Choropleth map.



Dot Density Map:

This type of map uses the dot symbol to give a visual example of a feature or phenomenon on a map. The heavier the dots in a given area, the greater the density of that feature. One dot can represent one unit or a single dot can represent many units. Below is an example of a Dot Density Map



Proportional Symbol Map:

These maps are used to represent Geographical data. The data is scaled proportionally and placed next to it's corresponding geographic location. One problem with these maps is that cartographers are not entirely sure viewers can decipher the size difference between values. Below is an example of a Proportional Symbol Map.



Isopleth Map:

This type of map shows data in a third dimension. For this reason most of these maps are used to show things such as elevation. This third dimension is shown by a series of lines called isopleths. Below is an example of an isopleth map.