1. Mapping Population Density
How to make a choropleth map

2. Today’s Big Ideas:
Population density describes how many people live within a city, country, or region
There are three different kinds of population distribution: regular, irregular, and clustered
Choropleth maps are a type of thematic map, which helps us to understand population distribution

3. Population Density Canada Bermuda The United States of America
4 people / km2
~35,000,000 people
Bermuda
1,304 people / km2
~65,000 people
The United States of America
35 people / km2
~319,000,000 people

4. Is this what Canada’s population distribution looks like?
But Wait!
2 km?
Is this what Canada’s population distribution looks like?
2 km?

5. Population Distribution

6. Choropleth Maps

7. Population Distributions:
Clustered (aggregated)
Regular (uniformed)
Irregular (random)

8. How to do It: Identify the location Identify the population size
Ex. Toronto
Identify the population size
~6,000,000
Decide the scale
1 dot = 50,000 people
Do the math
6,000,000/50,000 = 120 dots
Put the dots on the map
Close together, but with enough space that you can see there are distinct dots
For your map work in groups to:
Label each province and territory
Locate and mark each city from your census tables
Then complete the rest of the choropleth map on your own

9. Today’s Big Ideas:
Population density describes how many people live within a city, country, or region
There are three different kinds of population distribution: regular, irregular, and clustered
Choropleth maps are a type of thematic map, which helps us to understand population distribution