Population Density and Distribution Flashcards
What is Population?
Population refers to the total number of beings living in a particular area.
What is Population Distribution?
Population distribution means the pattern of where people live.
What is Population Density?
Population density is a measurement of the
number of people in an area.
What are some physical factors that affect population distribution?
Presence of minerals and energy
Relief/topography
Climate
Vegetation (biotic)
Soils
Water supplies
What are some human and economic factors that affect population distribution?
Social issues (Under population,
traditional practices)
Infrastructure and transportation
Development of industrial complex
Political stability
History
Diseases and Pest
Government policy
What is a Dot map?
A dot map is a map that shows population distribution
What is a Choropleth map?
A choropleth is a map that shows population density
What are some advantages of a dot map?
Simple to construct and
values can be placed
precisely
Strong visual impact and
easy to read
Allows for personnel to
associate the number of dots
with the number of people.
What are some disadvantages of a dot map?
The selection of dot value is
critical- wrong visual; impressions
may be given by choosing too high
or too low a dot value
If values vary widely the map can
become rather confusing unless
proportional circles are used to
represent the highest values
Constructing maps are time
consuming
Difficult to count large numbers
What are some advantages of a choropleth map?
The maps are easy to read.
Can effectively be used to
report area values at virtually
any scale, from global to local
Easy to make comparisons
What are some disadvantages of a choropleth map?
They hide concentrations of
population within each unit area,
implies that distribution is even on
a micro scale
Choropleth maps suggest that
there is an abrupt change in
population density at the national
boundary
A poorly design system of shading
can make quite small spatial
differences seem large- or make
huge differences look smaller.
How do you calculate population density?
Population divided by Land Area in square miles.
How to calculate birth rate?
Births per year divided by the total population times 1000
How do you calculate death rate?
Deaths per year divided by the total population times 1000
How to calculate natural increase?
Birth rate - death rate
