Standardized Choropleth Maps

http://www.mmuer.info/gis.html

Standardized choropleth maps is standardized to allow for better distribution. To do this, the average is taken and that become the basis of the graph.The graph above shows voter registration for Illinois.

Bivariate Choropleth Map

http://uwecgeog200mainharn.wordpress.com/page/2/

Bivariate choropleth maps are maps which two different sets of data which relate well together. Often different colors are used for the two data sets. In this map it shows the death rate of all the countries in Africa and contrasts that against the number of the people recorded living with HIV/AIDS in the countries. Often bivariate maps try and draw a correlation and thus a conclusion between two unrelated data sets. Some times it may be true and others they may be unrelated as one can see in this map. They are used mostly in the education and health fields and because of what they can show, they are invaluable. 

Population Profile

http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/X6790E/X6790E04.htm

Population profiles are graphs that break down the population of a country into different segments and then show how much that segment of the population affects society. Typically the two variables are age and gender, but it other can be education, sexual orientation, race, etc. When viewing a population profile one can see what possible account for the large gaps ans so forth such as Aids impacting a large segment of African societies resulting in a large bloc of young adults and children. The population profile above depicts the age distribution of the nation of Gambia. Overall it is 50/50 but the are slightly more females who live to old age while more male babies. 

Star Plots

http://www.statsref.com/HTML/index.html?graphics.html

Star plots like triangular plots can plot more than two variable at a time, typically anywhere from 5-6. This star plot qualifies as it has six variables showing how much each category (in percentages) impacts actual spending and the budget. It is really useful as like triangular plots as they can be used in field such as business allowing one to see the whole picture.

Triangular Plot

http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2009/2007WR006763.shtml

A triangular plot is a graph in which three variables are presented at the same time. Triangular plots can be used in several disciplines such as finance or geology. The importance of a triangular plot is that gives more options to the user in plotting. The triangular plot above shows the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the soil.

Climographs

http://mail.esdnl.ca/~gregg_jesperson/Canadian%20Geography%201202

Climographs are a type of map that shows the precipitation as well as the temperature for a region over a period of time. Thus the average climate for an area can be determined. The climograph above is of Halifax Intl. Airport, Halifax, Canada. It shows the range of precipitation levels in comparison to the temperature. 

Stem and Leaf Plot

http://literacyandnumeracyforadults.com/The-Learning-Progressions/Numeracy-glossary

Stem and leaf plots display data is a way that is can be easily interpreted. The mean, median, mode, as well as the range can be determined in this way. This stem and leaf plot is just an example of how it looks like and doesn't represent anything. 

Box Plot

http://support.sas.com/documentation/cdl/en/statug/63033/HTML/default/viewer.htm#statug_boxplot_sect005.htm

Box plots are a type of map that deal with ranges. Box plots show ranges in percentiles such as the 25th, the 50th, and 75th percentile as well as the mean. From a box plot one can also derive the median. From this one can see how skewed the data is as well as the overall distribution. The box plot above shows the average power output per day in July. 

Histogram

http://support.sas.com/documentation/cdl/en/procstat/63104/HTML/default/viewer.htm#procstat_univariate_sect070.htm

Histograms use bar graphs and are typically used to show the frequency of an event. The histogram above show the frequency of a certain length of microns. Histograms are important as they are used everyday to display critical factors and how often they occur ensuring that businessmen, scientists, or teachers can use the results to gain better results. 

Wind Rose

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148112003096

A wind rose is a map that shows both wind speed and direction. The speed is measured in knots or mph. The map above show a maximum wind speed of about 21 mph NW. It qualifies as a wind rose as it shows both wind speed and the direction of the wind.

Scatter Plot

http://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/eda/section3/eda33q3.htm

Scatter plots simply show the relationship between two variables. Using a line of standard deviation one can see the trend and determine what type of relationship there is between the two variables. There can be a positive, negative, strong, and weak relationship between the variables depending on the data set. The scatter plot above shows a strong negative relationship. 

Doppler Radar

http://www.stuffintheair.com/doppler-radar-system-pulsedoppler-radar-.html

Doppler Radar maps use radio and micro waves to determine the distance of certain objects. Typically doppler radar is used for weather purposes and in the field of meteorology to map storm patterns and potential natural disasters. This has been the huge benefit of doppler radar in modern times. The image above  shows the weather patterns of Barrie, Ontario, Canada. This map qualifies as it is showing the weather patterns including the climate and includes a legend at the right side that displays precipitation. 

Isopach

http://petroviews.blogspot.com/2011/10/chattanooga-shale-isopach.html

Isopach maps are concerned with the soil and sediments within the soil. Like the other "Isos" isopach maps contain lines that are connected through sediment thickness. Color are also assigned to differentiate between different thicknesses. This map here displays chattanooga shale within the different counties of Alabama and the varying levels of thickness throughout the state. The importance of this type of map is that it is used in field like mining where it is crucial to determine the thickness and depth of certain sediments. It can also be used to determine soil erosion. 

Isopleth

http://scrabble.wonderhowto.com/inspiration/scrabble-bingo-day-isopleth-0129881/


Isopleths are maps that connect areas of equal value and are used to show different facets of those areas in relation to the rest of the other regions shown. The map above shows the average deposits of non-Sea Salt in the Eastern portion of the U.S. circa 1998. Florida has deposits of around 15 kgs per yr which is relatively the same as New York. This goes for the rest of the areas; isopleths can be used to determine many unknowns in the field of science and that is the value of these maps. 

Isohyets

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169555X06003588

Isohyets are maps that measure rainfall. The contours lines used in the map intersect other lines with similar representing the exact value of precipitation. Shading is also used to convey how much precipitation an area receives with the legend at the bottom. The map above shows exactly that and shows how much precipitation the individual islands that comprise Hawaii receive as well as the Kohala Peninsula which the map focuses on. 

Isotachs

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/iwx/?n=superoutbreak_meteorology

Isotachs are simply lines on a map that represent wind speed. Said lines intersect when wind speeds are the same. The map above shows the wind speed of the U.S. April 1974 from Arizona to the Great Lakes region. The red contour lines are the isotachs and the black contour lines represent height. 

Hypsometric Maps

http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~dbertuca/maps/cat/map-portion-images.html

Hypsometric maps use gradients (a form of shading) and relief tints to show the varying form of elevation on a map. The map above shows the country of Spain and the elevations present within the countries with the higher ones which would represent mountains and those types of landforms and the lowers ones being valleys. The color scale is evident and present on the right hand side of the map sea-foam green being around sea level and the highest represented by a purplish color. 

Dot Distribution Maps

http://www.ratedesi.com/i/pic/ANd9GcQ0p_rMkxj6HBaxzgfThslPDo8AVzsj_dWLh3-CYQxP5Yzxf1jdIJcvBmQF/Dot-Density-Map-Of-Us

Dot distribution maps are maps that use a dot symbol to represent a phenomenon or fact. The map above is a dot distribution map detailing the populations density of the U.S. state by state. As one can see the coast is where the biggest population densities occur. As population density can be considered a phenomenon or fact of life, this map above qualifies as a dot distribution map. 

PLSS Map

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~alfrankl/landrecords.htm

Public Land Survey System (PLSS) maps are surveys used by the U.S. to mark parcels of land, boundaries, and townships. The East-West lines are called townships and the North-South lines called Ranges. Each map  is 36 square mile as each square represents a square mile and it is divided in intervals of 6 miles. This map is the PLSS of Franklin County, Alabama. and is represented in a 3mile by 6 mile township. 

Thematic Maps

http://map.primorye.ru/raster/maps/americas/bolivia_econ_1971.asp?l=eng

Thematic maps that try to portray a particular theme and how it is connected to a particular region. Themes can range from social and political to agricultural and environmental. Thematic maps provide information about the region or location they are portraying while they can be used to compare different patterns on different maps. There are also different ways to portray thematic maps which are choropleth mapping, proportional, dot, and isopleth mapping. The map above show the economic activity on the island of Trinidad and the various forms of industry found on the island. It qualifies as a thematic map as it is showing a particular theme in economic activity and showing how it works in the country. 

Statistical Maps

http://personalpages.manchester.ac.uk/staff/m.dodge/cybergeography/atlas/census.html

Statistical maps are maps that map values based on a range of data or percentages. A value (or color) is assigned to a range or percentage. The map above shows the growth rates of internet across the whole continent of Africa based on one year from 1995-1996. As seen there are different percentages and the color is determined by what range the country is in while the size is dependent on the percentage and how many people have access to internet. Statistical maps are similar to graphs and mathematics and how it is calculated/ presented plays a big role in how the values are represented.

Topographic Maps

http://www.terraperfecta.com/mapsfaq.php

Topographic maps are maps that show both natural and man-made features with a particular region. These maps use contour lines providing detail to these features. There representations are also made possible by utilizing other methods such as relief to distinguish features. Topographic maps are detailed as well as true to the features on the ground. Topographic maps can be represented as either a vector or raster based map. The map above is a map of the area around Moscow, Russia. It is a raster based topographic map and relief is used to distinguish warmer and colder areas as well as elevation which the contour lines also portray. Man-made features that can be seen are the roads. 

Mental Maps

http://blog.mywonderfulworld.org/2010/05/create-a-mental-map-of-your-community.html

Mental maps are simply maps hand drawn from memory. They are 2D unless the cartographer is super talented and thus there is no depth. Some can be detailed but those are few and far between. Mental maps were used in in prehistoric times to convey where food, water, or shelter might be. Cave painting such as those in Southern France are examples of mental maps. The map above shows the route from the person's house to the bus stop, work, airport, office, etc. It is 2D and not extremely detailed. 

Planimetric Map

http://www.justus.ca/versailles/maps.htm

Planimetric maps are a type of topographic map. They use contour lines like many maps to depict features within the region being focused upon. However are always 2D and do not show elevation. This map is a map of the place at Versailles, France. It shows roads as well as some waterways. It obviously qualifies as a planimetric map as it is 2D and does show any elevation. Planimetric have a long history as most maps created up until the mid to late 20th century were planimetric maps. They were especially during the exploration of the United States.

Similarity Matrix

http://www-sipl.technion.ac.il/Info/News&Events_1_e.php?id=286

Similarity Matrices determine how similar two objects are to one another. This map is comparing two different musical pieces and seeing how similar they are by using an algorithm. It is interesting the algorithm part because the line looks like a standard deviation line which accomplishes the same thing by taking two data sets and seeing how similar they are by seeing how much they differ from the standard. Obviously this map has many different applications whether it is in technology or music. 

Digital Line Graphs

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/GIS/descdlg.html

Digital Line Graphs are used in mapping different regions. They are representations of features seen on a U.S. Geological Survey Map. One prime example of Digital Line Graphs (DLGs) are maps used in ArcGIS. Different layers can be seen and utilized from topographical layers such as wetlands and bodies of water to roads to parcels of land. Here on this map, you can see on the legend you can see municipal boundaries and the typography of the map. The reason these types are important are that they are used everywhere such as planning agencies.

Index Value Plot

http://sparkleberrysprings.com/v-web/b2/index.php?m=200607

Index Value Plots take a base value, typically zero and compare the relevant data values against each other by using the base value as the standard. So you'll have frequencies below the base value as well as above. The base value is also typically the average value taken. With Index Value Plots, absolute values are not relevant because as stated earlier, values can dip below the base value. The map above is measuring the precipitation percentages in Sub-Saharan Africa among three particular regions over the course of 200 years with the last 200 years being an estimate. This map qualifies because one can clearly see the base value and then the recorded precipitation percentages which rise and fall. Here two variables are used as well time and annual rainfall anomaly. The reason it is pertinent is that researchers can use it when studying climate change and be able to prepare ahead of time. 

Cartograms

http://www.grida.no/graphicslib/detail/total-co2-emissions-from-fossil-fuel-burning-cement-production-and-gas-flaring_af46

Cartograms are map where statistical information is displayed by the various land masses. The larger the percentage the larger the land mass (typically continents) will be. This map is from the United Nations Development Programme and in this it is measuring CO2 and also making more relative by separating Developed countries and their emissions versus developing countries and their respective emission. Because of the information being presented, cartograms end up being very skewed. Cartograms are definitely a good way to get one's message across, and this map has all the qualities of being a cartogram. 

Bilateral Graph

http://www.swfinstitute.org/swf-article/sovereign-wealth-funds-and-faith-in-the-usd/

Bilateral Graphs are maps in which two related set of values are measured on the same graph. It is used for comparison purposes and thus two variables by which to measure the sets are utilized. Bilateral graphs are definitely important as they have been used in every facet and line or work. Here the Australian dollar set against the Swiss Franc both used in terms/against the American dollar. The graph records the daily valuations of each currency as seen in world markets as of July 2011. 

Isoline Maps

http://www8.nos.noaa.gov/coris_glossary/index.aspx?letter=i


Isoline maps is just a type of contour map using isoline which join points of equal value. They are not specific to any one scientific discipline. Here the lines are used to represent the climate of this region. Based on the elevation the weather/climate gets colder or warmer shown by the distance between the lines.

LiDAR Maps

http://www.imagingnotes.com/go/article_free.php?mp_id=129

Lidar stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It is a form of remote sensing similar to Radar or Sonar. Lidar differentiates from other remote sensing in that it uses light, specifically a laser to obtain properties from the designated target instead of radio/micro waves. The reason I chose to include Lidar maps is that they are incredibly important in almost all professional disciplines from the sciences such as geology to planning/architecture to the military. Because it uses lasers it can be used to in surveying or to detect weaponry. The map above is of Kansas City. Some features that classify this map as being a Lidar map is the resolution is very high as well as being 3D making features within the map seem elevated. The resolution causes a clear differentiation between colors thus identifying different properties within say a building and land or because of that being able to identify that it is a building or a parcel of land. You  can tell how congested a place might be as well.  

DOQQ Maps

http://www.utexas.edu/depts/grg/hudson/grg360g/EGIS/final_project/spring04_projects/web_beau_brett/index.htm

DOQQ stands for Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quads. DOQQ maps are digital maps done by the U.S. Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) and are often aerial photographs or satellite imagery that has been enhanced. DOQQ maps are typically of a specific topography. The map above is of Round Rock, Texas as well as the Brushy Creek Basin. The image is actually of two DOQQs and used to compare differences between the basins. The reason that this map qualifies is that one can see the rectified image as well as being a defined region. One can easily tell that the photograph was taken via satellite as well. 

Proportional Circle Maps

http://www.creativeclass.com/_v3/creative_class/2009/08/21/the-stimulus-maps/


Proportional circle maps use circles in proportion to the amount or value given. Hence the bigger the amount the bigger the circle and vice-versa. Proportional circle maps are also called range-graded maps. The map above shows the amount of TARP funds dispersed to each of the 50 states. Some got none (thus no circle) awhile others received a sizable chunk (thus bigger circles). I chose proportional circle maps because they easily tell the audience what is being measured in a relatively simple manner. 

Propaganda Maps

http://irregulartimes.com/empiregeography.html

Propaganda maps are used to spread a certain message which might be clear or subtle. The dissemination of the information is used to influence the targeted audience's opinion. Just like critical cartography, the map reflects the opinion of the cartographer which might be factually correct or a blatant corruption of the facts. It depends on the purpose. The map above, shows certain countries in the middle east where either the U.S. is fighting a war, has declared an enemy, or has a vested interest in. It implies that a.) our actions have consequences  b.) the U.S. is not as altruistic as seems to be  c.) the U.S. is willing to fight to protect her interests abroad. I chose a propaganda map because they hold more weight now than in the past and it is important to know the meaning behind them. 

Cadastral Map

http://www.cfma.co.nz/

Cadastral Maps are detailed maps of real estate. Often they are subdivisions/areas of development where one can see the individual parcels, a guide, and whatever other feature chosen such as easements or basins. The map above is a early map of the town of Queenstown in New Zealand done in 1898. One can clearly see how detailed it is as you can see individual plots, streets, areas around the site such as the cemetery  as well as different reserves whether they be a park or for recreation. The reason I chose cadastral maps is because they are relevant even today especially for planning. Municipalities make cadastral maps on programs such as ArcGIS to keep track of parcels of land for the purpose of zoning, permits, and other important records not only for them but to be able to show the public as well.  

Flow Map

http://www.mundi.net/maps/maps_014/

Flow maps are invaluable because they can keep track of goods, people, diseases, various animal species, and data. Furthermore flow maps are used daily within GIS disciplines and in planning. For example planners   focusing on concurrency would use a flow map to trace the flow of traffic say from one region to the next or the FCC could keep track of individual flights all over the U.S. this way as well. I chose this specific map type because of the importance and significance in daily life. What this particular map conveys is international telephone usage between the European nations listed on the map. The reason this qualifies as a flow map the company that made the map TeleGeography clearly stated it was a flow map and  one can see the volume of traffic hence the flow from one country to the next.