Explain the use and types of distributional maps
Answers
Distribution maps can be used to see how measurement changes across different areas.
There are three major types of distributional maps. They are:
# Dot Distribution or Density map – This map is easy to use and makes use of dots to indicate a value in an area such as population distribution. One dot can be used to represent a specific number of people.
# Choropleth map – Dots are replaced by a various shades of the same color or different colors. These maps depict the intensity of a variant. They represent how one measurement differs across the same area.
# Proportional Circles map – This map uses circles and legends to represent absolute values or precise numbers. The size of the circle must be compared with the legend.
Answer:
(a) Use of distributional maps : The distributional maps are useful for explaining the patterns of distribution of a particular geographical variable.
(b) Types of distributional maps : The following are the types of distributional maps.
(i) Dot Method : The distributional maps based on statistical data, made by this method make use of dots of a pre-decide size to show the distribution of a particular variable. e.g. Dot method map is used to show population of a region, distribution of cattle etc.
(ii) Choropleth Method : The distributional map made by this method makes use of shades or tints of various colours, to show the distribution of particular variable. e.g. Choropleth method map is used to show population density, types of forest cover, uses of land.
(iii) Isopleth Method : The distributional map made by this method makes use of line joining locations or places having same or equal values of a particular variable. e.g. Isopleth method map is used to show altitude, temperature, rainfall.