Star Plots

 

The star plot is a method of displaying multivariate data. Each star represents a single observation. Typically, star plots are generated in a multi-plot format with many stars on each page and each star representing one observation. Star plots are used to examine the relative values for a single data point and to locate similar points on not similar points. The above star plot is from NASA, with some of the most desirable design results represented in the center. Also a legend with different designs represented by different colors to be easier to distinguish.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar_chart

 

 

A similarity matrix is a matrix of scores which express the similarity between two data points. The map above shows all the body mass index numbers you can have. Each score is put into a weight category and your scores are put into a nationally recognized standard and graded from that. The colors make it easy to distinguish which category you fall into based on the number you get.

 

 

http://www.lonestarbands.com/bmi.asp

 

 

 

Stem and Leaf plot

 

A stem and leaf plot is a device for presenting quantitative data in a graphical format, similar to a histogram, to assist in visualizing the shape of a distribution. As the map above shows, the stem is the first part of the number and the leaf is the second part of the number. Combining these numbers give us the quiz scores that were graded and we see a nice distribution of those numbers here.

 

 

http://www.mytestbook.com/worksheet.aspx?topics=Stem%20Leaf%20Chart&subject=Math&grade=5&test_id=235

 

Box Plot

 

A box plot is a way of summarizing a set of data measured on an interval scale. It is often used in exploratory data analysis. It is a type of graph which is used to show the shape of the distribution, its central value, and variability. Box and whisker plots are uniform in their use of the box: the bottom and top of the box are always the first and third quartiles, and the band inside the box is always the second quartile. This map above shows a box plot testing the speed of light with 5 experiments.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Box_plot

 

Histogram

 

A histogram is a bar graph of a frequency distribution in which the widths of the bars are proportional to the classes into which the variable has been divided and the heights of the bars are proportional to the class frequencies. These maps are similar to bar graphs but the x axis is numbers on these maps and also the bars are all connected. This histogram above shows what score each student got on final exam and how many students it was who got each score.

 

 

http://www.webquest.hawaii.edu/kahihi/mathdictionary/H/histogram.php

 

Parallel Coordinate Graph



 

Parallel coordinate graphs use a set of parallel axes. Parallel coordinates is a visualization technique used to plot individual data elements across many dimensions. Each of the dimensions corresponds to a vertical axis and each data element is displayed as a series of connected points along the dimensions/axes. The graph above shows a 3d parallel coordinate view of all cells and nine selected genes.

 

 

http://vis.lbl.gov/Events/SC07/Drosophila/

Triangular Plot

 

The triangular plot graphically depicts the ratios of the three variables as positions in an equilateral triangle. It is mostly used in geologic studies like in the map above. The proportions of these three variables must sum up to a constant for this to be able to be represented accurately. The variables of sand and clay are composed in the data with silt as the third percentage. Changing the variables on each side of the triangle would change the results of each figure.

 

 

http://www.dplot.com/triangle-plot.htm

 

Windrose

 

A wind rose is a graphic tool used by meteorologist to view wind speed and direction and see how they are distributed at a particular area. Wind roses are said to be what was used mainly before compasses came into the world. The wind rose above is from LaGuardia airport in NY. We can see from the legend and colors, that the more the bars come out the stronger the wind speed is in that direction.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_rose

 

Climograph

 

A climograph is a graphical depiction of the monthly precipitation and temperature conditions for a selected place. Precipitation is shown by the bar graph. A line graph depicts temperature. The map above is a climograph for the state Arizona. We see the precipitation for each month using the blue bar graphs and average temperature using the red line graph. These maps are good because they are easy to read and show multiple variables using multiple graphs on one graph.

 

 

http://ag.arizona.edu/watershedsteward//resources/module/Climate/az-climate_pg3.htm

 

Population Profile

 

A population profile is a chart showing the number of people as a function of their ages. Most of the time it is divided into male and female. These maps can be used for more than just age and population but the majority of them are used for these types. The map shown is from the 2010 census giving us the total population in the District of Columbia. We see each side divided by gender and each 10 year age block has a bar representing the amount of people.

 

 

http://www.census.gov/2010census/

 

 

Scatterplot

 

Scatterplots allow us to view relationships or associations between two variables. A scatter plot is a plot of the values of Y versus the corresponding values of X. In this specific one shown above, we see the values of X corresponding to in lab crack size reading versus Y axis values which correspond to in field crack size reading.

 

 

http://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/eda/section3/scatterp.htm

 

Index Value Plot

 

Index value plots are helpful in seeing the discrepancies and inconsistencies in data along with seeing the general trend of the data. In this map, the index value is 0. We see the el nino and la nina monthly index both going opposite directions on map and each a different color. Also from the legend we see the 12 month average from the map.

 

 

http://www.skepticalscience.com/What-causes-short-term-changes-in-ocean-heat.html

 

Lorenz Curve

 

A Lorenz curve is a curve that shows a probability distribution of values that have been statistically derived. On the graph, a straight diagonal line represents perfect equality of wealth distribution; the Lorenz curve lies beneath it, showing the reality of wealth distribution. The above map is a typical Lorenz curve. It shows incomes from lowest to highest.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenz_curve

 

Bilateral Graph

 

 

A bilateral graph is a graph with more than one variable and presented on two sides of a zero axis. The picture above is the average GDP growth by percent for some countries from 2009-2011. The axis on this graph begins at zero and as you see, some countries were negative and appeared below the line while the countries with positive growth were above the line.

 

 

http://economists-pick-research.hktdc.com/business-news/article/Economic-Forum/Green-Shoots-in-Southeast-Asia-and-Hong-Kong-Trade/ef/en/1/1X000000/1X06E80C.htm

 

Standardized Choropleth Map

 

Standardized Choropleth maps are a type of choropleth map that possesses data that is areally averaged. Instead of just total value, the information is usually standardized by area. This picture above is a map of Canada. It standardizes the data representing the percent of Canada's population under 14. It also uses color to help make it easier for us to interpret.

 

 

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/92f0138m/2008003/figures/5200001-eng.htm

 

Univariate Choropleth Map

 

Univariate choropleth maps are maps that only use one variable of data. These maps are types of choropleth maps. The estimated median household income statewide is the variable. Darker shades indicate the higher income households. These maps are good because they are easy to read and are good at emphasizing demographic patterns.

 

 

http://www.colocarto.com/custom-thematic-maps.html

 

Bivariate Choropleth Map

 

Bivariate Choropleth maps compare two variables on a single map. The main objective of a bivariate map is to find a simple method for accurately and graphically illustrating the relationship between two spatially distributed variables. The map above combines the percent of population under 18 and also the rural population.

 

 

http://www.geo.unizh.ch/~annal/Choropleth%20maps.html

 

Unclassed Choropleth Map

 

In unclassed choropleth maps,  Each areal unit is assigned a unique hue or value derived from its unique value for the mapped variable. Unclassed Choropleth maps portray the fact that the number of categories is equal to the number of data values. In this map, we are able to see that there are no intervals and each value has its own color or value.

 

 

http://www.mapresso.com/

 

Classed Choropleth Map

Classed choropleth maps are areal units grouped into categories based on their attribute values (value for the mapped variable) All areal units within a class are similar and all areal units within a class are assigned the same color.  This map above shows a graduated color scheme to show which states in the US have the highest Hispanic population density and which states had the lowest.

 

 

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/book/export/html/1553

 

range graded proportional circle map

 

A Range Graded Proportional Circle Map portrays a single variable or circle in a comparison of ratios/proportions with the other locations. Each circle portrays one location and then the size of the circle depends on the number of what is being taken into effect, the higher the number, the larger the circle. This map shows the number of motor vehicle deaths in California. You see the bigger circles in certain regions which show the deaths being more. These maps are similar to dot maps but the size of the circle matters in these maps.

 

  

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog486/book/export/html/1796

 

continuously variable proportional circle map

 

Continuously variable proportional circle maps are a type of proportional circle map that can express multiple variables and show how exactly they relate to one another with proportions. The circles are used to express some specific point data. The larger the circle, the larger the industry according to the map above which shows the country Italy. Within each circle is a pie chart showing specific industries within each region and which industries are used more than others.

 

 

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/italy.html

 

 

DOQQ

 

DOQQs are digital aerial images produced by the USGS. They contain orthorectified aerial photography at a resolution of 1 meter. A digital orthophoto quadrangle is a computer-generated image of an aerial photograph in which image displacement caused by terrain relief and camera tilts has been removed. It combines the image characteristics of a photograph with the geometric qualities of a map. This picture shows a DOQQ of part of Washington DC.

 

 

http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs05701.html

 

DEM

 

DEM is digital elevation model. It is digital cartographic data in raster form. This map shows the terrain and elevation level by the sf creek. DEMs are derived from contour lines. These maps make it easy to tell where the highest elevation is and the roughest terrain.

 

 

http://geography.wr.usgs.gov/sfcreek/dem.html

 

DLG

 

A DLG or digital line graph, is a cartographic map feature represented in digital vector form that is distributed by the USGS. DLGs contain a wide variety of information depicting geographic features . The picture above shows the lake Tahoe basin. The following DLG data have been mosaicked together from the18 7.5-minute quadrangles.

 

http://tahoe.usgs.gov/DLG.html

DRG

 

 

DRG stands for digital raster graphics. It is a scanned image of the USGS standard series topographic map including all map collar information. The DRG can be used to collect, review, and revise other digital data, especially Digital Line Graphs. The DRG above shows the Colorado River from the USGS. Contour lines are also present and help show the topography.

http://www.tceq.texas.gov/gis/drg.html

Isopleths

 

Isopleth maps generalize and simplify data with a continuous distribution. These maps show data as a third dimension making it a good map for elevation, atmospheric pressure, and other measurements used for third dimension. The map above shows the deaths that resulted from H1N1. It shows the density of the deaths by counties with different colors to show where the majority of them took place.

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=132504

 

Isopach

 

An isoline that connects points of equal thickness of a geological stratum formation or group of formations is an isopach. These isopach maps are mostly used in geology. The map above shows us the true thickness of sediments deposited in the state of California. We can see the lines clearly defined and also the colors used to show us the thickness layers in each area of the map.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopach_map

Isohyets

 

Isohyets are similar to both isobars and isotachs in many way except that isohyets join equal values of rainfall in a given period. The map above shows isohyets for rainfall in a month during July of 2008. The intervals are in 100 mm bands. These maps give a clear indication of the distribution and intensity of rain across the entire region and this map gives us an idea of the distribution of rainfall in the region.

 

 

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0808/S00090.htm

Isotachs

 

Isotachs are lines on a map connecting points of equal wind speed. These isotachs are very similar to isobars but they are used strictly for wind speeds. The map above shows these high winds with the isotach lines there and the different colors to show where the highest and lowest wind speeds took place.

 

 

http://www4.ncsu.edu/~nwsfo/storage/cases/20030123/

 

Isobars

 

A line drawn on a weather map connecting points of equal pressure is called an isobar. The isobars are generated from mean sea level pressure reports and the pressure values are given in millibars. This isobar map above shows the temperatures across the country using the isobars and each temperature has numbers used for the isobars.

 

http://www.sercc.com/education_files/saer_ans.html

LIDAR

 

LIDAR  is a remote sensing technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with a laser and analyzing the reflected light. The term LIDAR comes from both the words light and radar. Lasers are used to develop highly detailed images of the surface of the earth. The picture above was taken in New York shortly after September 11th. The use of LIDAR was developed to help produce 3-D images so the crews can use the right cranes to help with the cleanup and rubble left behind. You can see from LIDAR where the big buildings are located and where the land is flat.

 

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories/s798.htm

 

Doppler Radar

Doppler radar is a type of map that' uses the Doppler effect to measure velocity. The common person like myself seems to think of meteorology and weather only when thinking about Doppler radar, but it is used for many fields other than just meteorology. These maps are used during every weather forecast and it gives meteorologist the chance to look at the short term weather and what effects we will get from them. The map above shows the hurricane making landfall in Florida. We are able to see the different colors which show us where the severity of the rain is falling and where no rainfall is occurring. These maps are a staple in weather forecast and will be for as long as I live I feel.

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2004/s2311.htm

Black and White Aerial Photo

 

Black and white aerial photos are similar to infrared aerial photos in everything pretty much except for color. Where infrared aerial uses the color to help researchers see where the changes in the environment are taking place, black and white aerial photos are used to show us an aerial view where its clear where the road are, and where the buildings and vegetation are. The picture above is the city of Austin Texas and from it we can see not much vegetation exist, and many buildings and roads take over the majority of this map. These are easy to interpret because of the black and white color and make this map very efficient.

 

http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/remote/remote_f.html

 

 



Infrared Aerial Photo

 

Infrared aerial photos use infrared film which is sensitive to a portion of the spectrum of light. The image that results from that is a very useful tool that is used in many research fields. All the images are taken high above the ground aboard aircrafts or other flying mechanisms that allow us to look at these great aerial views. The picture above is the Sacramento river and gives us a look at how different changes to the environment can occur. Researchers are able to look at the colors given from the photos and tell us what changes may have occurred.

 

 

http://www.aerialarchives.com/Infrared-Aerial-Photography.htm

Cartographic Animations

 

Cartographic animations are special maps that have not been around as long as other maps because of the technology involved with them. These maps need the use of computers or videos to add a fresh new component to a map displaying those changes in some dimension. These maps are very popular among the youth and younger population because of the easiness involved and results from them. The map above shows the deaths that resulted in the state of Nebraska. Your able to use the animation by scrolling over the different types of diseases listed and see which counties had the most deaths from each. This quick and easy method of looking at multiple information available on one map make it cartographic animation.

 

 

http://maps.unomaha.edu/AnimArt/ActiveLegend/Peterson.html

 

 

Statistical Map

 

 

Many of the maps we use are statistical maps. Statistical maps are special maps that are used when the variation in quantity of factors in a geographic area are indicated. The map above shows the percent change in resident population of the United States from 1990 to 2000. Each state shows a percent that represents there change and that is what qualifies this as a statistical map.

http://www.wikivolunteer.com/analytic-maps.html

 

 

 

Cartograms

 

 

A cartogram is a presentation of statistical data in geographical distribution on a map. In these maps, some variable is substituted for land area or distance. The map above is an area cartogram. These maps use the size of the population to scale each area in proportion to its population. The map above shows the countries of the world and the size of that country with population used to show size on this map. We can see from this map the most populated countries India and China have a huge scale on this map and a country like Canada that is large in area, barely exist on this map because the population is so low compared to land.

http://www.ribbonfarm.com/2007/07/17/visualizing-the-2d-world-with-cartograms/

 

 

Flow Map

 

 

A flow map is a map that shows the movement of objects from one location to another. They are a mix of maps and flow charts. Flow maps can be used to show us the demonstration of anything from tangible to intangible items. The map above shows the total combined truck flows out of Texas. they have network flows demonstrated by the red lines, and state to state flows demonstrated by the color shade of each state. These combined features are what make this a flow map.

 

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/texas/combtrk_tx_1998.jpg

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/texas.html

 

Isoline Map

 

An isoline map is a map that has continuous lines joining points of the same value. Isolines are used to show us the different regions on a map that use isolines to determine in the case of the map shown above, wind speeds. You are able to quickly determine the wind speeds around the United States because each region is represented a certain color that tells us which areas had the highest wind speed on the day.

http://www.kidsgeo.com/geography-for-kids/0034-isolines.php

Proportional Circle Map

 

Proportional circle maps are pretty much what the title says it is. These maps use circles to represent the information and each circle can vary in size. Usually the size of the circle is based on population but you can pretty much use whatever you want. Usually the bigger the population the bigger the circle. This map here shows the American Indian population of the Midwestern states from the census bureau of 1990. You can see each population represented by circles and the states with bigger population had big circles and small population states had small circles. The legend provided gives you the estimated numbers of each circle.

 

 

http://www.neiu.edu/~nerobert/Cartography.htm 

 

Choropleth Maps

 

Choropleth maps are thematic maps that are based upon predefined aerial units. The map provides an easy way to visualize how a measurement varies across a geographic area. This choropleth map here shows the 2012 presidential election electoral votes from each state and which president won the votes. This qualifies because each state is represented by a certain number of votes and also because the colors are used to distinguish each state.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choropleth_map

 

Dot Distribution Map

 

The map shown here is a dot distribution map. These map types use dot symbols to show the presence of an occurrence in the area where the dots exist. Dot distribution maps rely on visual scatter to show the spatial pattern. The map here is a dot distribution map showing the Hispanic population in the United States. Each dot on the map represents 100,000 people of that population. These maps you can tell where a big population exist when many dots are near each other. When you see areas with just one dot, it doesn't mean that area only is where the population exist, but a general spot where we are able to depict where the Hispanics in that area are located.  

 

 

 

 

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/book/export/html/1553

Propaganda Map

 

All maps are designed for a purpose. A propaganda map is one designed to be particularly persuasive. The author of the map expresses specific feelings on a topic creating maps not just for information but allow us to interpret them. The map shown above is a propaganda map showing the world in the view of Ronald Reagan during the cold war. Your able to see how big of a threat the USSR is and that is what they want you to think. Even though it is not an accurate map, the persuasiveness involved is what the goal is. All of these reasons on what makes this map propaganda.

 

 

http://kuoest.wordpress.com/2008/10/19/the-world-according-to-rr/

Hypsometric Map

 

This type of map is known as a hypsometric map. These type of maps depict land configuration and height of the land surface. Contour lines are used in these types of maps as well. The map above shows North America terrain relative to the sea level. You can see thanks to 3d configuration and the color shades, where the highest elevation is and where the lowest is. Because we are able to depict where the height elevation is and the contour lines, that's what makes this qualify as a hypsometric map.

 

 

http://www.cec.org/Page.asp?PageID=924&ContentID=2841&SiteNodeID=497&BL_ExpandID

PLSS Map

 

The PLSS is used to divide public domain lands which is land owned by the government for benefit of the citizens of the US.  A PLSS map is a systematic land partitioning system that divides land into 6 square mile townships where a permanent marker is placed at each corner. This map is a PLSS and the color shades of the States shows the areas that were surveyed.

 

 

http://nationalatlas.gov/articles/boundaries/a_plss.html

Cadastral Map

 

A cadastral map shows land ownership. An example of this is the metes and bounds method of dividing up lands according to ownership. The map shown here is of a residential community and shows some of the homes in the area and also the land that belongs to them. Some people may put up a fence or bushes to show where there land begins and ends but some don't and this map would show exactly what piece of land is there's and which is there neighbors. This map qualifies because it has a clear boundary line to separate all the property for each owner.

 

 

http://www.actgeospatial.com/services.php

Thematic Map

 

A thematic map is designed to show a particular theme associated with a specific geographic area. This map shows statistical data over defined states with the color associated with the party control of that state either being republican or democrat. This qualifies as a map type because it is a thematic map of categorical data and displays patterns of a theme. 

 

http://www.gigawiz.com/thematic.html

 

 

Topographic Map

 

This is a topographic map. Topographic maps show extensive close up detail about a place. They usually have large scale detail and use contour lines in modern maps. The map shown here is of the West Bank. The contour lines are at 100 meter intervals. The color code for this map is based on the heights and elevations of the area. It qualifies as this map type because it shows contour lines and a variety of elevations and landforms.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topographic_map

Planimetric Map

 

This is a planimetric map. These types of maps show only the horizontal position of features. They are used primarily for design of transportation projects. This map conveys different streets and buildings in the area. Ground control is set for this product. It qualifies as this map type because of its horizontal position of features and also because it does not include elevation.

 

 

http://www.ncdot.gov/doh/preconstruct/highway/photo/products/planimetric_maps_default.html

Mental Map

 

A mental map is a persons personal viewpoint and perception that they see and think of. The media has a big influence on all of us and may influence how all of us make our mental maps. This mental map shown here is how someone from Florida may view the people in each area of the state. Florida is a state with many diverse people and cultures and this map shows a perfect example of that. This map qualifies as a mental map because it is subjective and only the viewpoint of the person who made it and if someone else was to make this map it could look totally different. This map can also be used as a propaganda map.

 

 

http://sohosp.blogspot.com/2008/12/mental-map.html