1. Types of Maps Choropleth Dot Distribution Proportional Symbol Isoline
Cartogram

2. Which map is best for “Number of Muslim People?”
Which map is the worst?

3. Choropleth (most common)
Pros
Cons
Hard to get details on internal areas.
Too general
Easy to collect
Easy to map
Common, easy to read/understand
Can be used at almost any scale, from global to local
5 classes (colors) is ideal

4. Example of “choropleth map”
Human Development Index (HDI) Rankings
Includes GNI/PPP, Literacy, and Life Expectancy
Which regions have high HDI?
Which regions have low HDI?
Which places are exceptions?

5. Around the World, 2000
Why is this a poor example of a choropleth map?

6. Dot Distribution (2nd most common)
Pros
Cons
Shows how things are distributed
Easy to see variations in spatial density.
Harder to collect
Point data
Harder to map
Hard for the viewer to read at smaller scales.

8. Proportional Symbol Map
Pros
Cons
Combines graph with map
Overlapping symbols can make interpreting the map difficult.

10. Proportional Symbol Map (Graduated Circle type)
Size of symbol varies in relation to frequency or intensity of the mapped variable
DISCUSSION:
* What are some of the advantages of each of the four types of thematic maps?
Proportional Symbol Map (Flow Vector type)

12. Isoline
Pros
Cons
Limited use
Can be confusing with a large list of points or dots.
Most useful for climatic data presentation such as temperature or pressure.
Easy to interpret, attractive.

15. Cartograms Combines a graph with a map
Pros
Cons
Combines a graph with a map
Can be difficult to interpret or find specific detailed information.

18. Types of Maps Assignment.
In a group of two, your task is to locate four interesting maps (each a different type) and complete the four level geographic analysis on each map. In a perfect world each person would write on two maps.  The following types are in play: dot distribution, choropleth, isoline, proportional symbol and cartogram.  Do not to double-up-- one map of each type.  The maps descriptions are worth 10 points each.  Have some fun with this-- maps are out there for everything from 'bigfoot' and UFO sightings-to-infectious disease and internet usage.  You may be asked to share one of your maps with the class.