Lab 2: Maps and Topography- Part 1

Choropleth Map

A choropleth map is a color coded thematic map where each feature receives a different color. In this map, which shows the electoral votes of each state during the 2004 presidential election, each state receives a color (red or blue) signifying which candidate that state's votes went to.

Isarithmic Map

An isarithmic map is another type of color coded thematic map. However, in this kind of map, the colors are not confined to different features. For example, in the map above, which shows temperatures in the US, the colors are not confined by the state lines; rather, they just show regions of the country with similar temperatures.

Dot Density Map

A dot density map uses dots to denote some characteristic where clusters of dots show the density of the characteristic. The map shown uses dots to show population based on lights where clusters of dots show denser populations.

Proportional Symbol Map

A proportional symbol map uses some symbol (usually dots) to denote some characteristic. In this map, different sized circles are used to denote the number of women enrolled in college in each state in 2005 where larger dots mean a larger number of women enrolled.