Maps and Map-Based Diagrams

Question 1

Choropleth Maps Purpose

Answer 1

To show differences in area data.

Question 2

Choropleth Maps Advantages(4)

Answer 2

1. visually effective
2. groups are flexible
3. have a clear visual comparison between areas
4. can show a large amount of data

Question 3

Choropleth Maps Disadvantages(4)

Answer 3

1. class size needs to be chosen carefully
2. difficult to distinguish between shades
3. doesn’t show variation in boundaries
4. not suitable for showing total values

Question 4

Dot Maps Purpose

Answer 4

To show density and indicates distribution of a variable.

Question 5

Dot Maps Advantages(5)

Answer 5

1. can use raw data
2. easy to interpret
3. easy to construct
4. can represent a wide range of data
5. good at showing variations

Question 6

Dot Maps Disadvantages (5)

Answer 6

1. time consuming to make
2. overcrowding can make difficult to count
3. uneven distribution may cause a false impression
4. locating dots is a personal and subjective
5. can involve tedious calculations when determining the number of dots

Question 7

Proportional-Symbols Maps Purpose

Answer 7

use scaled symbols to represent data of that area

Question 8

Proportional-Symbols Maps Advantages (4)

Answer 8

1. can summarise a large set of data
2. easy to read
3. data is associated with a specific location
4. useful for illustrating differences between many places

Question 9

Proportional-Symbols Maps Disadvantages (5)

Answer 9

1. difficult to calculate actual value
2. time consuming to construct
3. size of the symbol may block the location or mean less accurate positioning on the map
4. do not reveal patterns
5. data can be easily manipulated to get false impressions

Question 10

Sphere of Influence Map Purpose

Answer 10

to show impact of a place or geographical event on its surrounding environment.

Question 11

Sphere of Influence Map Advantages (1)

Answer 11

1. can be used to show a large variation of data

Question 12

Sphere of Influence Map Disadvantages (3)

Answer 12

1. map assumes whole region has the same value (could be variations with in each area)
2. no account is taken of physical or human landscape
3. lots of time needed to require relevant information such as interviews and questionnaires

Question 13

Isoline Maps Purpose

Answer 13

shows area with equal value eg contours on an OS map

Question 14

Isoline Map Advantages (5)

Answer 14

1. shows gradual changes over large areas
2. uses fixed intervals which mean changes can easily be identified
3. can be superimposed onto a map
4. avoids to problem of boundary lines
5. can add colour to enhance patterns

Question 15

Isoline Map Disadvantages (4)

Answer 15

1. there may be variations in the location of each isoline
2. Requires a large number of data
3. small lines and numbers on graphs can be difficult to read
4. only works when changes are gradual

Question 16

Flow-line Maps Purpose

Answer 16

shows the actual flow and direction of movement

Question 17

Flow-line Map Advantages (5)

Answer 17

1. shows movement of people, goods and transport
2. shows volume and direction of movement
3. can be superimposed onto a base map
4. there is a visual impression
5. clear location component

Question 18

Flow-Line Map Disadvantages (4)

Answer 18

1. hard to draw
2. flows can overlap
3. may be difficult to show the meeting point of wide bands without overwhelming the map
4. The real distance and direction may be distorted to have a clearer image

Question 19

Cross Sections Purpose

Answer 19

to show a profile of the area being researched

Question 20

Transects Purpose

Answer 20

show features of both physical and human environments and how they change from place to place

Question 21

Transects Advantages (2)

Answer 21

1. they provide a good visual overview of the survey area

2. they can be compared with other transects

Question 22

Transects Disadvantages (4)

Answer 22

1. one cross section has limited value
2. incorrect vertical scales on a cross section can be misleading
3. they are only a snap shot in time
4. they take time to draw and have to be a accurate representation of reality