integrated ch 5

Question 1

simplification

Answer 1

a type of cartographic generalization where the most important characteristics of features are retained, and unnecessary detail is removed to enhance map clarity at smaller scales

Question 2

generalization

Answer 2

The process of abstraction, reduction, and simplification of features to ensure readability and usability of maps at varying scales.

Question 3

dot density maps

Answer 3

Use dots of uniform size to represent features or groups of features.

Example: One dot = 1,000 people.

Advantages: Effective for visualizing density and patterns.

Privacy Concerns: Addressed by altering scale or displacing dots.

Question 4

proportional symbol maps

Answer 4

Symbols vary in size to represent quantitative values.

Example: Larger circles for higher populations.

Challenges: Potential for symbol overlap leading to visual clutter.

Question 5

choropleth maps

Answer 5

Use shaded areas to display quantitative attributes (e.g., population density).

Standardization: Converts raw counts into comparable ratios (e.g., cases per capita).

Risk: Misleading patterns if data isn’t appropriately standardized.

Question 6

cartograms

Answer 6

Distort geographic areas based on a variable.

Example: Resizing countries by GDP instead of land area.

Question 7

flow maps

Answer 7

Depict movement between locations using lines.

Example: Migration or trade routes.

Line Width: Represents flow volume.

Question 8

techniques for simplification in maps

Answer 8

Elimination
Removing non-essential details.
Example: Excluding minor streets from a city map.

Simplify
Smoothing complex lines or shapes.
Example: Reducing the detail in coastlines.

Combine
Aggregating features to reduce clutter.
Example: Merging small islands into a single representation.

Displace
Shifting or enlarging features to enhance visibility.
Example: Separating overlapping symbols for clarity.

Question 9

standardization

Answer 9

Adjusts data for meaningful comparison across areas of different sizes or shapes.

Example: Comparing population densities instead of raw populations.

Question 10

classification

Answer 10

Groups data into categories for easier interpretation.

Methods:

Equal Interval:
Divides data into classes of equal range.
Advantages: Simple to understand and compare.
Limitations: May leave some classes empty.

Quantile:
Equal number of observations per class.
Advantages: Visually balanced maps.
Limitations: Can group dissimilar values.

Natural Breaks:
Maximizes differences between classes and minimizes differences within classes.
Advantages: Ideal for clustered data.
Limitations: Unique to each dataset, limiting comparison.

Question 11

choosing the number of classes

Answer 11

Few Classes: Highlights broad patterns but may oversimplify.

Many Classes: Provides detail but may confuse the audience.

Question 12

application of simplification

Answer 12

Reference Maps
Focus on generalization to represent key features clearly.
Example: Subway maps simplifying geography for clarity.

Thematic Maps
Balance detail and readability while preserving meaningful patterns.
Example: Disease spread visualizations.

Question 13

What is simplification in cartography?

Answer 13

Answer: A process of generalization that retains the most important characteristics of features while removing unnecessary details to enhance map clarity at smaller scales.

Question 14

Define generalization in mapping.

Answer 14

Answer: The abstraction, reduction, and simplification of features to ensure maps are readable and usable at varying scales.

Question 15

importance of simplification and give example

Answer 15

Answer: It improves clarity and usability by reducing clutter and emphasizing critical features.

E.g. smoothing coastlines or eliminating minor streets in city maps.

Question 16

risks of oversimplification

Answer 16

Loss of important details, leading to misrepresentation or misinterpretation of data.

Question 17

what is a dot density map

Answer 17

A map that uses dots of uniform size to represent features or groups of features (e.g., one dot = 1,000 people).

Question 18

What is the primary advantage of dot density maps?

Answer 18

Answer: They effectively visualize density and spatial patterns

Question 19

What is a proportional symbol map?

Answer 19

Answer: A map where symbols vary in size to represent quantitative values, such as population.

Question 20

choropleth map

Answer 20

a map that uses shaded areas to represent quantitative attributes, such as population density

Question 21

what is elimination in map simplification

Answer 21

removing non-essential details, such as minor streets in a city map

Question 22

what is standardization in thematic mapping

Answer 22

adjusting data for meaningful comparison across areas of different sizes or shapes (e.g. pop density vs raw pop)

Question 23

equal interval classification

Answer 23

divides data into classes of equal range

Question 24

quantile classification

Answer 24

groups data into classes with an equal number of observations

Question 25

natural breaks classification

Answer 25

Maximizes differences between classes and minimizes differences within classes.

Ideal for clustered data as it highlights patterns.

Unique to each dataset, limiting comparison across maps.

Question 26

cartogram

Answer 26

Answer: A map that distorts geographic areas based on a variable (e.g., GDP).

Question 27

reference map

Answer 27

A map focusing on generalization to represent key features clearly, such as subway maps.

Question 28

Why is standardization critical in choropleth maps?

Answer 28

Answer: To avoid misleading patterns by comparing data meaningfully (e.g., cases per capita instead of raw counts).