UNIT III

Thematic Cartography (Practical)

B.A./B.Sc. (Hons) II Semester (Section C)

ISOPLETH MAP
Definition
The term isopleth has been derived from words “isos” meaning ‘same’ and “plethron”
meaning ‘measure’. Thus isopleth are lines joining places of equal values. The value may be
in the form of quantity, intensity or density. Isobars (equal pressures), Isotherms (equal
Temperature), Isohytes (equal rainfall), Ispbaths (equal depths), Isoseismal (equal
earthquake intensity), Isonephs (equal cloudiness), Isohalines (equal salinity), Isogenes
(equal magnetic variation) etc are some important examples of Isopleths.

Methods of Construction of Isopleth Maps

For construction of isopleth maps, we require a base map of the area with point data
(showing values). All the points about which the data are available must be fixed on the
map. Here it is worth mentioning that larger the number of points on the map with their
respective data, more accurate will be the isopleth map.
(Note: a) Base line map depicting point location of different places.
b) Appropriate data of temperature, Pressure, Rainfall etc. over a definite period of
time.
Procedures
1. Mark on the base map your observed values. Values should be located accurately at
the exactly position you collected the data or value, locate as more points of value as
you can to make accuracy at the end result.
2. Decide the suitable value or number for the isolines by looking the range you have
collected. Here, you work out on how many lines will fit properly on the map
between your maximum for and minimum values, but making a fixed interval is
most important.
3. Join all places or points of equal value with smooth line in accordance to the
interval you have chosen. It is necessary to determine the values of intermediate
points through which the Isoline will pass using “logical interpolation”.
4. Check the accuracy of the construction quickly to see if there is no point omitted.
5. Show the key appropriate. And title to assist interpretation. Note, always a key used
when different shades or color has been used.
Choosing the Interval of Isopleth
Isopleth are drawn at a fixed interval i.e. interval between all the Isopleth lines should be
same. The location of isopleth indicates gradient ie., when the isopleths on a map are
located close to one another, the gradient is steep. On the contrary, the gradient is gentle,
when the isopleth are distant apart. Therefore, the interval of the isopleths should be
selected carefully.

Rules to be followed, while selecting the interval of Isopleths

1. Determine the minimum and maximum values given on themap.
2. Calculate the range of the value i.e., Range = maximum – minimum value.
3. Based on range, determine the interval in which number like 5,10,15 etc.
4. The exact point of drawing an isopleth is determined by using the following
formulae:

Applications of Isopleth Maps:

Isopleth maps used in different fields to show the equality of values. The following are
some of Isoline map’s applications,
1. Isopleth maps used in climatic data to show areas with the same temperature,
pressure, rainfalls etc.
2. Used in population or production data to show similarities between one area and
another.
3. Used in showing altitude with the same height`s meters by using contour lines
between one area and another.

Merits of Isopleth Technique:

1. Isopleth are more scientific than other methods of showing distribution and
effectively show the distribution and variations.
2. This is especially useful for climatic maps such as isobars, isotherms, isohyet etc.
and is known as the main tool for the meteorologists.
3. It is very easy to determine the gradient (rate of change) with the help of isopleth
maps.
4. When isopleth are wide apart ,they show low gradient but when they are closer
together they show high gradient.
5. Isopleth lines are independent of political boundaries and best suited to show the
natural pattern of distribution of an element.
 6. Isopleth is the most suited method for showing elements having transitional values,
this is a reason that isopleth are invariably used to show the distribution of
temperature, pressure and other climatic elements.

Isopleth Maps
Demerits of Isopleth Technique:
1. Many isopleths are drawn by interpolation which sometimes lead to inaccuracy in
the directions of isopleths and the pattern of distribution shown by those lines is
distorted.
2. It is confusing when there is large list of points or dots.
3. It is time consuming when there is large number of dots or points.