Transcript Magic Roundabout, Swindon, UK

Choropleth Maps
An easy to draw map, easy to
interpret map of distribution
patterns, often used to show
population statistics
E.g.: World population density
E.g.: Fertility rates in Europe
Choropleth Maps
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Choropleth maps use different colored
shading to show variations between
places.
They show differences between places
and so show distribution patterns
They are often used to show population
distribution.
Constructing a Choropleth Map
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Each color stands for a range of values
First decide on your ranges by looking at
the data and dividing it into 4-6 groups
Decide what color to shade the groups
using one or two colors shading from
Dark (high values) to light (low values)
After shading, give title and key
Advantages and disadvantages
of choropleth maps
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Easy to draw
Simple to interpret
Give a good overall
impression of the
area
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They are based on
averages so don’t
give exact figures of
particular locations
They can conceal
large differences in
an area
World Distribution of GDP per capita
2004: Medium Assignment
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Choose colors for shading
Practice shading
Shade each country in the group the
correct color
“No data” MUST be left white
Add title, north point and key
Describing the worldwide
distribution of GDP per according to
your map
Describe! You must not explain why it is so!
 Always state names of countries and figures
 Use correct unit (i.e. $ per capita)
 Give examples of countries with highest values
 Give examples of countries with lowest values
 Don’t forget to also talk about the countries with medium
values
 Give general pattern, if any
 Give exceptions to any pattern you observe
 Use adjectives, e.g. landlocked/coastal
 Use “high”, “moderate”, “low”, etc.
All in two paragraphs
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Don’t make it look like this! Use 1 or
2 colors only. Use color pencils, not
pens. Label country names.