MPH 720_Types of Maps

MERCER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

BLOG ASSIGNMENT FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF MAPS: CHLOROPLETH MAP, ISARITHMIC MAP, DOT DENSITY MAP, PROPORTIONAL SYMBOL MAP, & ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY INDEX MAP

A PAPER SUBMITTED TO

DR. BRIAN ROOD

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

GLOBAL ISSUES IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MPH 720

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

BY

ABRAHAM DENG

MACON, GEORGIA

JULY 2014

Types of Maps and Significant Values

1.    Chloropleth Map

Value of Chloropleth Map:

Chloropleth map provides a visual presentation of measurement variability across a geographic region. In other words, chloropleth map indicates existing variations within a region through employment of different colors or symbols that portray average values for a specific region as depicted on the above map. This map is a multi-colored map that functions like checkerboard map.

2.    Isarithmic Map

Isarithmic map of the distribution of family income levels

Value of Isarithmic Map:

The isarithmic map is also called contour map that provides a smooth continuous phenomena, including temperature, elevation, among others. The map provides a graphic representation of the distribution of a phenomenon in a 3-D surface as indicated in the above map of family income distribution.

3.    Dot Density Map

Hispanic Population Distribution

                                                         Value of Dot Density Map:
The dot density map provides geographic distribution of distinct phenomena through ordering of identical point symbols. The dot density map is important for understanding distribution of phenomena and for comparing different areas on the map as depicted on the above map of Hispanic population distribution in the United States.

4.    Proportional Symbol Map

Proportional Symbol Map depicting the amount of wine consumed in Europe in 2010

Value of proportional symbol map:

The proportional symbol map enables a person to indicate multiple data points on a map. The proportional symbol map utilizes symbols of variable sizes and colors that depict geographical areas. As shown in the map above, the data points indicated distribution of wine consumption in Europe in 2010.

5. Environmental Sensitivity Map (ESI)

A map depicting areas of the Point Reyes National Seashore

Value of Environmental Sensitivity Index Map:

The environmental sensitivity index (ESI) map gathers information about biological resources, coastal shoreline sensitivity, and human resources. The compiled information is used for planning and establishment intervention strategies prior to occurrence of an event.