Maps

Dot Distribution Map

A type of thematic map that uses dots to represent the presence or quantity of a phenomenon in a specific area. Each dot corresponds to a set number of cases or individuals, helping to visualize spatial distributions.

Proportional Symbol Map

A thematic map that uses symbols of varying sizes to represent the magnitude of a phenomenon at specific locations, allowing for easy comparison of different areas.

Reference maps

Aptly named because they are designed for people to refer to for general information about places

Thematic maps

Show spatial aspects of information or of a phenomenon.

Mollweide Projection Map

Preserves relative land areas accurately across the globe. Useful for thematic mapping, but distorts shapes and angles near edges.

Mercator Map

Used for Navigation so it has accurate directions and right ang;e longitude and latitude. Land masses near poles look large when they aren’t and distance between longitude and latitude looks constant.

Goode’s Interrupted Homolosine Map

Shows true land size by slicing the oceans. It is good for global data, but not for navigation.

Sinusoidal Projection Map

Shows relative sizes accurately while distorting shapes and direction around the edge.

Robinson Projection Map

Used for General use because it has no major distortion and looks more like a globe. Areas, shapes, and sizes, can be slightly distorted.

Choropleth Map

Uses colors, shades, or patterns to show location and distribution of spatial data. Shows rates or other quantitative data.

Cartogram map

Size of the units or land is porportional to the data represented. used to represent statistics such as political turnout or population density.

Isopleth Maps

This type of map is ideal for showing gradual change over space. Temperature is a phenomenon that should be mapped using isopleth. Relief maps should always be in isopleth for this reason.

Flow Line Map

Combines geographic coordinates with flow diagrams to show movement.