Maps

This first lab explores different types of maps, including choropleth maps, dot density maps, proportional symbol maps, isopleth maps, and environmental sensitivity index maps.

The first map is a choropleth map, which looks like this...

Chloropleth maps uses shades of color to show statistical information. It allows the viewer to quickly visualize the statistic. This type of map is great to show population because people can see that the darker colors are the areas with more people. This map specializes in presenting totals and ratios such as population and density of population.

The second type of map is a dot density map, which looks like this...

With a dot density map, each dot represents a unit of measure. In this instance, each dot represents 200 poor persons living in a nonmetro county. The dot density map allows the viewer to quickly see that the more dots the higher the density of what is being measured.

The next type of map is a proportional symbol map, which looks like this...

The proportional symbol map uses varied sizes of circles to represent proportion of what is being shown. In this instance, the larger the circle, the more Walmarts are in that state.

The next type of map is the isopleth map, which looks like this...

The isopleth map uses contour lines to show common features/values. It is sometimes colored in like above so that it is easier to read. This map shows the different average temperatures between March 18-24, 2001. The areas with the same color have the same average temperature.

The final type of map is the environmental sensitivity index map, which looks like this...

The environmental sensitivity map uses symbols and colors to show areas that are environmentally sensitive and at risk if an oil spill occurs. They include shoreline classification, biological resources, and human-use resources. 

The final aspect of this lab is incorporating a video,which is also a valuable resources for meteorology.