"Isobar"

Isobar

Isobars are used to show places on a map of equal or constant pressure pressure. The map above shows a storm heading across the country. If you look closely, you can see that the storm is heading West based on the notches on the isobar lines.

Statistical Map

Statistical Map

A statistical map shows the variation of a particular factor over a given time period. Statistical maps can be displayed by using dot plots, choroplelth maps, and also proportional symbol maps. In the  example above  the ration of how likely a specific area is to be hit by a hurricane is shown in red. As you notice areas in South Florida are collectively more likely to be target areas as they are closer to the Gulf.

"Cartographic Animation"

Cartographic Animation

Cartographic anmations have evolved over time. In prehistoric histories the use of sticks, engraving in clay and drawing with charcoal dipicted animations of the people's interpretation in that particular time era. Since then, complex animations have replaced stick drawings. The map above is an example of a cartographic animation. It shows the movement of Hurricane Katrina in a snapshot moment.

"Isoline"

Isoline

An isoline map is a map with continuous lines joining points of the same value. For example points with equal elevation or points of weather commonality. The above map displays precipitation levels in 1996. If you look closely you can see that areas shaded light purple represent about 120 inches of rain, and blue about 20 inches. You can also correlate the darkening of colors with increasing rainfall.

"Dot Density"

Population distribution using a dot density


A dot density graph displays the frequency of particular quantitative data. In most cases, areas with more dots reveal a greater trend of numbers. In the map above the white ares represent more densely populated areas in the U.S.

"Color Shading" (Hypsometric)

Hypsometric

Hypsometric maps are used to differentiate elevations of the earth's terrain through the use of  various color shading or tinting. There is no right or wrong format when choosing colors, but in the above picture you can see that the darker color indicates higher elevations.

"Choropleth"

"Choropleth"

Choropleth maps are maps that use shading intensities to convey a desired implication. In the above map you can see where the colors are used to display population densities around the world. The key on the side of the map helps to further explain the coloring.