Detailed Study Notes from Class on Thematic Maps and Data Levels

Definition: Thematic maps are designed to show information on one or two specific topics. They can contain either quantitative or qualitative information.
Relationship to Reference Maps: The amount of information from a reference map included may vary to help situate thematic information.

Assignment Deadlines:
- Reflection for Activity 3 is due on November 5.
- Complete the form linked in the Moodle assignment page. Ensure to allocate enough time for completion.
Labs:
- This week's lab focuses on Digital Montage in Adobe Photoshop (desktop version).
- Next week's lab will be about thematic maps; therefore, SK-4 Elevation drawings must be prepared in advance.
Final Project: If students have not started thinking about it, they should take the initiative to begin planning.
Health Reminder: Importance of maintaining both physical and mental health is emphasized. Suggestions include washing hands, consuming vitamin C, and ensuring adequate sleep. Taking time for enjoyable activities is recommended for recharging.
Mental Health Resources: Available options at the Mental Health Hub include peer support and meditation as proactive measures to prevent crises.

Maps as Reductions:
- Maps are representations that reduce the surface area they portray.
- Exception: Mapping small areas through larger representations (e.g., a cellular map).
Maps as Abstractions:
- The complexities of the real world necessitate simplification when selecting what to depict through maps using shapes and other variables.

Purpose: Maps meant for use by the general audience featuring a variety of information.
Content:
- Contains both physical and cultural features.
- Examples include road maps, national maps, and Google Maps.
Focus: Geographical location is emphasized without a particular theme.

Thematic maps present information focused on specific topics.
- They can display either qualitative or quantitative data.
- Thematic maps may vary in their reference map content inclusion for context.
Example of Data on a Thematic Map:
- Population Density:
- Example Data:
  - Ville-Marie: 4,775 inhabitants per km²
  - Ville de Montréal: 4,438 inhabitants per km²
  - Agglomération de Montréal: 3,716 inhabitants per km²
  - Zoning areas may also be shown.

Nominal Scale Data:
- Distinguishes features using qualitative attributes without reference to quantities or ranks.
- Example:
  - A type X is distinct from type Y, with counts such as 12 of type X and 14 of type Y.
Ordinal Scale Data:
- Features are categorized based on ranking or relative status related to attributes like intensity or importance without specific magnitude of difference.
- Example:
  - A is higher ranked than B, and B is higher ranked than C.
Interval Scale Data:
- Numerical measurements have consistent intervals, with an arbitrary zero.
- Example:
  - Recorded temperature at location A is 42°C while B is 21°C.
Ratio Scale Data:
- Numerical measurements characterized by a non-arbitrary zero.
- Example:
  - In 2023, location A experienced 240 mm precipitation, which is double that of location B at 120 mm.

Bertin 1983:
- Primary visual variables include:
- Size
- Shape
- Orientation
- Tone
- Texture
- Color

Point Symbols: Used to indicate positions or locations irrespective of length/area.
Line Symbols: Represents linear phenomena.
Area Symbols: Indicate measurable size, shape, and orientation phenomenon.

Nominal Data: Visually differentiated utilizing point, line, and area symbol classes.
- Examples: Town markers as points, rivers as lines, and areas such as swamps or deserts represented by unique patterns.
Ordinal Data: Differentiated by visual class using symbols.
- Point: Size of symbols indicates different magnitudes (e.g., large, medium, small).
- Area: Size and types of lines are categorized by their role or significance.

Hypothesis: Proposed cholera was spread by water rather than by air.
Methodology: Mapped deaths from cholera against locations of water pumps.
Findings: A strong correlation was observed between cholera deaths and the Broad Street water pump.

Objective: Address social issues through mapping; mapped socio-economic classes in London.
Characteristics of the maps:
- Used colors/symbols to depict socio-economic classes ranging from lowest class (vicious) to upper-middle/upper classes (wealthy).
- Importance of these social maps in urban planning: They provided a comprehensive vision necessary for urban planning and identification of areas needing structural interventions.
- Quote: "The social map gave the totalizing vision necessary for the existence of urban planning and the precise location of sites needed for the targeted, rational functioning of its therapeutic action" (Söderström 1996, 272).
Curative Planning: Initiated with diagnosing urban issues and providing solutions through restructuring urban designs.

Key References:
- Bertin, J. (1983). Semiology of Graphics. University of Wisconsin Press.
- Friendly, M., & Wainer, H. (2021). A History of Data Visualization and Graphic Communication. Harvard University Press.
- Gacu, J. G. et al. (2022). Flood Risk Assessment Using GIS.
- Robinson, A. H. (Ed.). (1995). Elements of Cartography. Wiley.

Schedule:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
- Tuesdays: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
- Thursdays: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Location:
- ER 1440.01 (PT Faculty office)
- Urban Studio ER 1442.15
- Zoom by appointment only

Social maps like Booth's serve as essential tools in understanding urban socio-economic dynamics and support targeted urban planning aimed at remedying social issues.