Lecture on Introduction to Maps

Lecturer Information

Platform: AP Daily
Topic: Introduction to Maps (Topic 1.1)
Objective: Understand types of maps used in human geography, focusing on reference and thematic maps.

Purpose: Provide informational context
- Examples include world maps, city maps, evacuation maps
- Show physical and man-made features (e.g., topographical, subway system, mall maps)

Purpose: Tell a story through data
- How to understand: Read the title to comprehend the map's story
- Relevance: Main focus of the course and AP exam questions

Choropleth Maps
- Use colors or shading
- Darker shades represent higher quantities
- Example: COVID-19 cases by state
Dot Maps (Distribution Maps)
- Show distribution or spread of information
- Example: Acres of corn harvested
- Limitation: Not great for density (dots overlap)
Graduated Symbol Maps
- Use symbols that vary in size based on data quantity
- Example: Number of passengers boarding planes at airports
Isoline Maps
- Show data concentration using lines or colors
- Crossing lines changes the data value
- Lines closer together indicate rapid value change
Cartograms
- Modify physical size to represent data value
- Resembles cartoons; not geographically proportional
- Example: Population data based on census

Example Question: Identify thematic map based on title (e.g., distribution of dairy farms)
Potential Focus: Areas of concentration or scarcity
Example: Wisconsin known for dairy (Green Bay Packers' cheese hats)

Value of Maps: Maps are critical tools for geographers
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify and explain the two main types of maps
- Describe characteristics of five thematic maps
Challenge: Analyze maps in daily life to understand the type and data representation