In a dot distribution map you will notices a very interesting distribution of clusters much like this map. What this map is showing you is the population distribution across the US. Very easy to read and be able to see in this case where there is the most concentration of people in our country. This map displays data across a wide area very well because the more dots the larger the cluster and in the end that means easier map reading.

Proportional Circle Map

A Proportional circle map are about exactly how they are in terms of explaining data. The circles on maps are placed to define the variable in terms of an area and that variable may fluctuate, well however that variable data fluctuates the circles will fluctuate as well. This map here is showing the data of internet users in Europe but where this map is significant you can see the circle sizes and how they vary in size much like the data.

Nominal Area Choropleth Map

A nominal Area Choropleth Map Is a type of map that has no real organized way of mapping data. Much like this map you can see the easy definable countries in Africa but most have no real order as to how they are ordered. This map relies solely on qualitative classification.

Unstandardized Choropleth Maps

In this unstandardized choropleth map you can see that there are many different colors and shades. This particular map is showing us the total number of ski shops by county. This type of mapping uses great ways to show boundaries or areas like this in terms of the counties, often uses census tracts for data.

Range Graded Proportional Circle Map

Range Graded Proportional Circle Maps show data in proportional circle forms. The designs of these maps are used to see the ranges of data rather than numerical form. This type of map makes it easy to depict the area of more interest if you are looking for the larger quantity then look at the larger circle it is as easy as that. Usually used in population data.

Continuously Variable proportion circle map

A continuously variable proportional circle map is a map where data is mapped with a circle instead of dots. Size of the circle all depends on the distribution of whatever variable is being display or mapped. This map shown here is from the 1850’s showing data in terms of the variable in circle format.

Unclassed Choropleth Maps

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Unclassed Choropleth maps numeric values and data and converts it onto a map into a degrees, showing the proportions by the shading and colors. This map is a very easy to read map showing colors of an area and their classes showing the different influences by the color and shades.

Bivariate Choropleth Maps

What a bivariate Choropleth map is, is a thematic map displaying the data and relationship between that data of two or more variables. It uses colors much like this map to display the data in easy to read formats. This map is a map showing house values in Ohio a single variable.

Classed Choropleth Maps

A classed Choropleth map uses colors much like this one that I have chosen that shows spending by overseas residents in 2003. A classed Choropleth map uses classification to break up the intervals of the data and this particular map uses 5 different classes as you can see in the color shading.

Parallel Coordinate Graph

Parallel Coordinate graphs are not seen by to many people because they as you can see are a bit confusing to read. What you are looking at here though is a graph of an entire set of data observations. It puts all of the data into this graph and then you see the colors and the severity of the lines. There is significance to the path of the lines and where they peak.

Cadastral Maps

In a cadastral map such as this one, its intent is to show property and property ownership and even the properties that are around or near it. This is something that is very helpful in the base of taxation on areas. This one you can see the defined boundary lines or the properties for this area and sizes as well.

Stem and Leaf Plot

One way of graphing and labeling data that we have all been taught at a young age and that is the Stem and Leaf Plot. Well stem and leaf plots are used all of the time to display quantitative data in a organized functional way. The left side always has a number variable and the right will then in numerical order put the number or data in order to show least to greatest and graph all data. This map here is a very simple one that we would have seen in school at a young age putting numbers that are very simple in order on this plot.

Population Profile

A population profile is something that is very easy to read and very helpful in showing how areas are in terms of age and sex structure of the population. This one is not just of a population but the whole population with a variable involved. You can see on the bottom axis the population in thousands going opposite ways from the middle separating sides for male or female and then the age density obviously the smaller bar being the elderly population. The variable involved here is showing structure throughout the ages of AIDS infected population. Very structured and easy to read.

Cartographic Animations

In a Cartographic Animation, this is a type of map even somewhat like a weather map that has movement and changing picture. What this is used for is to show a change over period of time so not always exactly like the weather because that is atmospheric but what I was getting at was the animation movement comparable to the animation on weather maps. I chose this particular map, this is getting to be more common showing heavily trafficked areas and how traffic is flowing.

Index Value Plot

Index value plots are constructed to show you data in percentage form like this one I have given you to look at. This one is measuring the water flow in the US and this plot shows you from year to year and gives you a good idea of the fluctuation and ups and downs, easily depicting the positive points and negatives which is one of the best uses for this graph.

Mental Map

When you think of mental mapping or you are told to make a mental map you think of doing one thing. Labeling places you know. Well in mental mapping that is almost all you are doing you are waiting to label things that can help you navigate around, that is what mental mapping is, it is what sticks out to you in your mind. It is all about points of interests and I picked this little map that looks as if a 6 year old did but as you can see even in this they put points of interest to them in the map, with drawings and symbols.

Flow Map

As you hear the term Flow you might think of how water may flow to an area depending on the structure it spills on. Well in a flow map what you are seeing is the flow of something, a particular variable you could say. In this map you see what look like veins running all over the US. Well what you are looking at here are the routes of freightliners in the US and where they are throughout the US and the places they go to the most. As you can see where it gets to be more red near the Texas area, this is showing more freight occupying this area in and out.

Propaganda Maps

A propaganda map was something that had been used in History more than today. As you can see here in this map, a more comical type map when taking a glance but what they show are symbols and things within a map. They are basically what a propaganda is they are looking for what is going to later occupy the land, and these types of maps were big in historical times to show who might take over land, which is what this particular map is showing for Europe.

Doppler Radar

A way of mapping that most of us in the state of Florida are use to seeing much of and that is Doppler Radar. This is a way of mapping that we use that sends out waves to the atmosphere to find out our upcoming weather trends. This type of mapping is very common for us and as we all know seeing it every day we know the color shadings the closer to the shade of red the worse it is. This mapping way is easy to read and shows us the movement out our weather cells.

Isobars

In an Isobar image you see like this one it is a way of using lines to show things like this, pressure systems. This is a type of mapping often used in weather maps. Weather maps are ones the average person sees on a day to day basis needing to be very legible and as you can see by this one, it is pretty easy. Pressure systems are shown by the lines and numbers as well.

Isoline Map

Isoline maps use a various amount of lines. These lines in the maps are set in place do describe whatever data it is being chosen to define. This particular map is showing you water transfer in China. As you can see this map it is somewhat hard to depict what it is saying, which is where other maps with color may be a better option when using lines and numbers. This type of map are often used to define weather conditions and variables involving weather in a area.

Isohyet

In a Isohyet this is a layout diagram to show an areas precipitation. Like this map you can see lines and numbers. As you look more in depth on this map the lines are defined by numbers showing the rainfall for a particular area for instance this one is of Arizona. These maps are often color coded much like this one making the areas of rainfall defined in color by their amounts.

Similarity Matrix

What a Similarity Matrix shows, is two different points and values. The data is laid out across the map and like many graphs like this one have the x and y axis labeled with the variables, or values. The matrix will then take the values from the two axis and graph them determined by their score. They are often done in colors like some other graphs to show the trends in the values.

Correlation Matrix

A Correlation Matrix is a organized way of showing the relationship between two variables. There are labels on both axis to define the variable and what is being compared. Then the variable amounts and data is laid out in a form like you see here and often consist of many colors to help point out certain point of interest within the matrix, often showing you positive points vs. the negative.

Standardized Choropleth Maps

In a Standardized Choropleth Map shows us some very significant differences in data. Like this map of the US you can easily see what it is wanting to show you, or what area for that matter. This is a map of mortality ratio, but then showing the cluster of high risk cervical cancer areas. What it really does is shows you is across the US the differences in the values of the issue at hand and the concentrated areas.

Box Plot

A box plot much like the one shown in this post are used to show data and the particular variance of that data, showing you the range. There are a few different style of marks as you see well the left point is what you could say in this one the least amount of annual snow fall and the far right being the other end of the spectrum the largest amount they could receive in annual snowfall. What the boxes then tell you are the actual data they have recorded then showing you a general idea of the amount you may see.

Histogram

This graph you are looking at may look as if it were a typical bar graph. Well what this is, is a Histogram. What a histogram much like this one is to explain is a frequency but displayed in bars like this one. You can see this one is showing information from Monte Carlo and simulation results. On the left you can see the frequency from 0-300 by 50. Easy way to compare and look at data frequency results.

Scatterplot

In a scatter plot as you see in this one there is a cluster of dots and of different color. What these graphs will tell you is a group of data and will show you where the majority of the data tends to cluster, almost showing you the average without even calculating. In this scatter blot if you look at the x and y axis you can see that this graph is giving you travel times and perentages.

DOQQ

A DOQQ map, or (DigitalOrthophoto Quarter Quad) in short is something a aerial photo that is computer generated. This is a raw photo where you can use this photo and see exactly what the landscape has to offer. This type of photo would be one that you could also use very easily to view routs for directions, and distances can be figured out with this one and are not skewed.

DLG (Digital Line Graph)

A DLG map or (Digital Line Graph) is a digital presentation of a displayed area found on a Geological Survey map. Much like this one most look as if they are a map found on something like mapquest with lines on them to help better define an area and not make look all like one color, helps with distance measurements. What it also helps with in this instance it is very definable to see a route in which you should take if you were driving.

DRG map (Digital Raster Image)

A Digital Raster Image better known as a DRG image is a scanned image of a US geological Survey topographic map. What this means is that they take that topographic image/map and put it in this form you are looking at here, we did the Topographic map already so this will give you the images to compare to one another. In this particular DRG you are looking at Lake Michigan and the Chicago area with contour lines showing the landscape.

Choropleth Map

In this Choropleth map as you can see there is a variety of green shades across the US. This particular map is showing the Hay across the US along with the other tame, small grain, and wild harvested acres in 2002. This type of map is used to study amounts of a variable like this one in particular showing the hay. These maps are very easy to read with guides and boxes to show you the amounts that each color shade is work like this one in the bottom right.

Thematic Map

A Thematic map is a special type of mapping. In this type of mapping it tells you something, and in this particular case, looking at this map of the US you can see it says new businesses in the US, well that is what it is showing you. Looking more into the shades of red that you see these all mean something different in terms of the rates of new business activity. As you can see a trend it tends to work around the major cities in the US. The dark red is in the business centers of the US.

Topographic Map

Topographic maps can be used in terms if you are ever designing something in terms of moving a lot of dirt around to create new landscape structures. What a topographic map does is uses lines to define land variation, hills, mounds, holes, ect. Whatever it may be. This one here is an example of exactly what the lines can represent to show you in terms of hills, ridges and how they are easily depicted.

Star Plot

This is a plot that is something you definitely will not see all that much. This is a graph that has different variables laid out and then lines drawn from each variable being involved in that particular action, much like ths generic star plot I have found here. This one has categories such as Accuracy, Collision, Trajectory completion, Time, Mass, Actuator saturation, Link Deflection. This gives you variables for things like a job and in this case you would be able to see that time here is going to be a strong variable factor.

Triangular Plot

A Triangle plots always represent three different varibles like the one in which you are looking at. This one here shows you Liberal Democrat Vote %, Labour Vote %, and lastly Conservative vote %. This map is just a different way of graphing numbers. As you can see here there are still number percentages shown just in a triangle. As you can see the outcome still shown in different colors and which political group in this case is still the dominant one.

Windrose

In a Windrose graph this is something as you may see here something you don’t see very often, or the average person doesn’t see often. What this type of graph does is as you can see there are degrees showing the type of direction in which wind can go in this case and then there are different types of shading and colors, this is showing wind strength and directions.

Climograph

A Climograph like this one of Boulder, Colorado is used to show climate from month to month throughout the year. You will often see two types of lines or graph in this style and as you see here there is a precipitation chart line as well as the temperature for that particular area. There is a clear view of the temperature on one axis as well as inches of precipitation on the other.

Bilateral Graph

In a Bilateral Graph you will see something like this one that consists of two lines. Representing different types of data to let you compare. This one here shows you financial data and two different groups being compared. This graph is used to depict the better of the two in this case by showing you the fluctuations.

DEM

A DEM map meaning Digital Elevation Model. This one shown is a digital elevation picture of Valestra, Northern Apennines in Italy. As you look at the image it easily defines the elevated areas and then the valleys or lowlands as this style of mapping is good for. The images are normally created by satellites.

Isopleths

Isopleth maps like this one as you can see has colors and shading about them. This one not only shows you the US in normal form but with depicting shading and numbers labeled on it. This one has numbers and shading involved to show you the levels of Nitrate Ion Concentration across the states in 2001. This type of map is often seen in forms of showing areas amounts of precipitations, which is probably the most common form.

Isopach

Isopach maps such as this one of the Michigan Basin are used to measure an areas thickness of the layers in the earth. This particular map of the Michigan Basin is showing us the levels of thickness of the Silurian Evaporite Basins in the Great Lakes region. They use these maps to measure the thicknesses all over of the sediment below Earth’s surfaces.

Isotachs

A Isotach maps like the one you see here of the US is something used all the time to chart winds. This one as you can see the blue curvy line is showing you wind speeds that vary greatly from one area to another. This particular wind map of the US is representing wind speeds as it says at 30ft above ground level. This website will then tell you that you need to check certain areas of abnormal climates for abnormal winds.

LIDAR

A Lidar is a type of Laser mapping. The laser part of it is used to produce images like this one of a coral reef. Often used for terrain mapping which you could say this is because it is still seeing elevations and changes in land structure. This method of mapping is extremely accurate. As you can see from the LIDAR image of the reef it shows you the low spots and holes in the reef very interesting and helpful.

Black and White Aerial Photo

A black and white aerial photo is what you would think a classical style way of mapping. This photo I chose really only because I use to be a cubs fan but this is a black and white photo of Wrigley Field. You can see from the photo how the black and whit photo shows contrast very well surprisingly. For instance look at the field itself is shows the grass very well in terms of the shade, and that is just how it is mowed. All in all shows great contrast and color shading differences.

Infrared Aerial Photo

Infrared imaging is being used more and more everyday. The military even uses infrared imaging all the time now and reason being is because it shows changes in the environment because the infrared sensors detect levels of light, producing an image like this one of San Rafael. You can see the areas of habitation and the areas of hills, or even the water/coastline.

Statistical Map

A statistical map like the one of Maine you see here show on a map a variable and the distribution of it. The variable on these types of maps can be anything and oddly enough this particular map of main shows you in distinct colors the Hardiness of Maine. Easily definable by the color distinctions on which area is the hardiest. This map will show stronger or weaker areas of that particular variable very easily.

Cartogram Map

In a Cartogram like this one you can see that the land of the US is skewed. Well it is not about the size or overall shape of the land but like in this cartogram it shows the votes of the 2008 election and the Republican and Democratic parties and to see which states represented more of a particular red being the Republican and blue be the Democratic party.

Hypsometric Map

In a Hypsometric map this particular map, like the one shown will show you a relief area using different colors, these colors represent elevation changes. In this map, you see Canada, and the Mountain areas in the Western part of the country and the water areas and the lowlands that tend to occupy more of the east, not of very high elevation.

PLSS Map

A PLSS map which stands for (Public Land Survey System) is a map that is used to divide and make what you could say an organized way to show the land owned by the Federal Government but for helping citizens like us. This photo shown is nothing of much excitement but shows Franklin County of Alabama and the division of the county.