Types of maps

Robinson projection

Mercator Projection

Gall-peters Projection

Azimuthal Projection

Isoline map

Graduated symbol map

cartogram

Dot map

Choropleth map

Mercator projection advantages

• Shows true direction

• Good for navigation purposes

Mercator projection disadvantages

• Distorts area

• Size is distorted increasingly near the poles

Gall Peters projection Advantages

• Shows true direction

• Area is relatively precise

Gall-peters projection disadvantages

• Distorts shape

• Continents appear elongated

Robinson Projection Advantages

• A globe-like appearance that “looks real”

• Distorts size and shape, but not too much

Robison Projection Disadvantages

• Imprecise measurements

• Extreme distortion at the poles; flat on the poles and compressed near the equator

Azimuthal Projection Advantages

• Preserves direction

• When used from the point of the North Pole, no country is seen as center

Azimuthal projection Disadvantages

• Distorts shape and area

• Only shows one-half of Earth

What are Isoline maps? What is the purpose of the map?

Isoline maps Lines connect data points of the same value. Isoline maps are used to show particular characteristics of an area

What are graduated symbol maps? What are some uses?

Graduated symbol maps use differently sized symbols to indicate quantitative data. Bigger circles or icons represent a larger numerical value of a particular attribute. A graduated symbols map is useful for showing population, earthquake magnitude,

What is a cartogram? What is its purpose?

CARTOGRAM Statistical data and geographic location are combined to communicate information at a glance. Cartograms show the relative size of an area based on a particular attribute, like population or energy consumption. Sometimes geographic regions are distorted to convey quantity or extent. Sometimes cartograms use colors to make maps easier to interpret.

What is a dot map? What is the purpose of a dot map?

DOT MAP Dots are used to show locations of specific observations or events. Dot maps reveal distribution or density. The more dots in an area, the larger the quantity. Dot maps are useful for showing statistics like crimes, births, or car accidents.

What is a choropleth map? What is its purpose?

CHOROPLETH MAP This thematic map uses colors or shading to represent categories of data for predetermined geographic areas such as census tracts, counties, states, provinces, or countries. Choropleth maps are useful for communicating quantitative data, such as demographics or election results.