5.

Symbolization: To represent something because of certain qualities of the symbols (resemblance,

association or relationship)

Usually symbolize two types of geographic data:

Qualitative (distinction between thing)
a. Point: Use pictorial or geometric symbols to represent different features (7-11)
b. Line: Use different lines patterns or colors to show different categories of linear feature (road)
c. Area: Use different patterns or colors to show different area features (green = vegetation, park)

Quantitative (implied order such as small to large, to show the quantities, magnitudes or
intensities of objects and measurements)
a. Point:
(i) Dot distribution
Three controlling parameters:
Dot value = determines the number of dots per allocated area (eg 1dot = 20 vs 200 person)
Dot size = varies the visibility effect of dots
Dot allocation = Concerns the placement of dots within an allocated area
(ii) Proportional symbol
Group data into ranked classes with a symbol sized in proportional to the magnitude other similar
maps includes pie chart symbol and bar chart symbol

b. Line:
(i) Isarithmic map
A planimetric (2D) graphic representation of a 3D volume
Uses isolines, which can represent physical (terrain, temp) or abstract (population density)
Variable should be a spatially continuous event (something that can be measured eg rainfall)

Methods of constructing isolines

1. Vertical pins erected whose heights are proportional to data values
2. Tops of the pins with vary heights are connected to create a volume
3. Horizontal planes are inserted through the volume, using equal interval spacing
4. Isolines are traced from the sliced planes

Various types of isolines

Isolines = lines with equal value
Isobath = equal depth below datum
Isobar = equal air pressure
Isochrone = equal travel time
Isogal = equal gravitational
acceleration
Isogam = equal strengths in magnetic
fields
Isohyet = equal precipitation
Isopleth = equal elevation
Isotherm = equal temperature
(ii) Flow map
Vary thickness of lines to indicate variation in quantities
Example:
Origin-Destination (O-D) maps  one origin to many destination, many
origins to one destination, many origins to many destinations
Traffic flow maps  Illustrates traffic conditions or congestion levels,
traffic volumes