Think about the area of Towson. MINDJOG Think about the area of Towson. List 10 subjects about which you could make a map.

OBJECTIVE TWW compare and contract reference maps to thematic maps in order to evaluate the appropriate type of map to use for the display of particular types of information.

MENTAL MAP Close your eyes and imagine you are going home. Draw a mental map of the route you would take home either by walking or by car or bus. Be prepared to share your mental map. Your map should include all of the map elements. You should be prepared to explain your use of the elements including scale, legend, grid, title, and compass rose (direction)

Types of Maps Type of Map  classifies maps according to the different information which the map displays and the method which it chooses to display the information Two major types of maps: (1) General Reference Maps (2) Thematic Maps

General Reference Maps Maps in which the base data of the map is there for its own sake. The map itself is the information, not the reference point for some other layer of data EXAMPLES: Political Physical Topographic Climate Map Economic or Resource Map Road Map

Political Map Focuses solely on the state and national boundaries of a state. Includes location of cities No topographic features

Physical Map Shows the physical landscape features of a place, including… mountains, rivers, lakes. Elevation is demonstrated by a change in color (green low and brown being high)

Topographic Map Similar to physical map because it shows different physical landscape features Display is different through the use of contour lines Contour Lines and their spacing shows changes in elevation and the rate at which it changes

Climate Map Shows specific climate zones of an area based on the average temperature, precipitation, etc. Typically uses colors to show the difference in the chosen weather condition.

Economic or Resource Map An economic or resource map shows the specific type of economic activity or natural resources present in an area Uses of different symbols or colors depending on what is being shown on the map

Road Map Most commonly used maps Shows major and minor highways and roads Use of important reference including airports, campgrounds, monuments, etc.

Thematic Maps Thematic Maps: (1) use the base data of map (roads, mountains, etc.) as a reference point for some other specific information (2) provide SPECIFIC information about a particular location (3) provide GENERAL information about spatial patterns (4) used to compare patterns on two or more maps

Early Thematic Map : CHOLERA

Five Major Approaches to Thematic Maps (1) Choropleth Map (2) Proportional Symbol (3) Contour (Isarithmic) Maps (4) Dot Maps (5) Dasymetirc Map

Choropleth Map statistical data aggregated over predefined regions, such as counties or states, by coloring or shading these regions Assumes relatively even distribution across the defined regions

Proportional Symbol The proportional symbol technique uses symbols of different sizes to represent data associated with different areas or locations within the map

Dot Map The dot symbol remains the same size, however, the density and number of dots represents the level of activity for that phenomenon

Contour/Isarithmic Maps Requires some continuous phenomena Very similar to topographic maps in presentation and structure. Depicts some other phenomena than land forms

Dasymetric Map Similar to choropleth map in its use of color Does not use predefined regions The phenomena determines how to color within the lines

Using the Mindjog Is the information which you want to display going to be on a general reference map or a thematic map… which particular reference or thematic map? General Reference Map Political Physical Topographic Climate Map Economic or Resource Map Road Map Thematic Map (1) Choropleth Map (2) Proportional Symbol (3) Contour (Isarithmic) Maps (4) Dot Maps (5) Dasymetirc Map