PRINCIPLES OF CARTOGRAPHY

GLS 362
CHAPTER 5
Symbolization
 At the end of this chapter,
student will be able to:

Differentiate various
type of thematic map
Lesson
Objective Understand the basic
concept of geographical
data measurement

Define the concept of

symbolization - visual
variable
THEMATIC MAPS Choropleth

Isopleth
Types of
thematic
map Graduated
Proportional
Symbol

Dot
The four map types presented here can be
distinguished according to three criteria:

What kinds of symbols are used? :

a) Point (e.g. a symbol located at a
point)
b) Linear (Isolines) THEMATIC
c) Area (Colored)
To represent what phenomena :
MAPS
a) Quantities
b) Locations
c) Quantities and locations
To answer what questions? :
a) Distribution patterns
b) Individual values
 Choropleth Map

These maps contain areas that are colour

or patterned in proportion to the statistical
variable being displayed on the map.

Data are aggregated over predefined area

units (e.g. politically - defined area).
 Advantages Disadvantages
Easy to Cannot show
produce and variability within
read regions
Distribution Regions are often
Choropleth patterns are not appropriate
Map easy to for a theme
recognize
Most common
weakness: colours
for quantities
 Isopleth Map
Isopleth maps are used to illustrate smooth continuous
phenomena (e.g. weather, temperature data)

Ideal for showing gradual change over space

Temperature, for example, is a phenomenon that should be

mapped using isopleth, since temperature exists at every
point (is continuous), yet does not change abruptly at any
point
Advantages & Disadvantages of Isopleth
Map

Advantages Disadvantages
Familiar from Unsuitable for showing
topographic maps discontinuous
(terrain representation) distributions
One type of map for Large amount of data is
continuous phenomena required for accurate
drawing
 Graduated Proportional Symbol Maps

These maps contain symbols varying in size to show their

relative quantitative values; used with point/location
data.

Size of the symbol reflects the amount of the

phenomenon

Normally use circle symbol to depict values on the map

 Advantages Disadvantages

Good visual Distribution patterns

representation of data can be difficult to
Advantages & recognize
Disadvantages
of Graduated Large, open-ended Danger of visual
Proportional choice of possible clutter (crowded)
Symbol Map
symbols from circles
through bars (any kind
of symbols can be
used-if possible;
based on data)
Although some map makers may find pictographic symbols more interesting
(e.g., the cars in the map at the left), such symbols have complicated shapes
that make their areas more difficult to estimate and create greater problems
with symbol overlap than more abstract, geometric shapes (e.g., the circles
in the map on the right).
 Dot Maps
Dot maps have become increasingly popular.

They are a good alternative for choropleth maps.

Each dot in a dot map represents a fixed value.

E.g. Population data

 Advantages & Disadvantages of Dot
Maps

Advantages Disadvantages
Show finer detail, actual Lack precise location and value
distribution patterns (ex: of each individual item
population)
Production made easier Unfamiliar map
through GIS / cartography