Thinking Geographically: Map Types & Spatial Patterns An Introduction to Reference Maps, Thematic Maps, and the Stories They Tell
Why Do We Make Maps? Humans have been making maps for thousands of years — from carvings on cave walls to modern satellite maps on your phone. At their core, maps are tools: They help us understand space and place They allow us to analyze patterns and relationships They guide our movements, decisions, and perceptions of the world Whether ancient or modern, every map is made with a purpose — and that purpose influences what it shows and what it leaves out. What’s the last map you used? What was its purpose? What decisions did it help you make?
Absolute vs. Relative Distance Absolute Distance Absolute distance refers to the exact, measurable space between two places. It is usually given in units like miles or kilometers. Example : The school is 8.2 miles from my house. Relative Distance Relative Distance describes how far apart places feel based on time, cost, or other factors. It is more subjective and context-based. Example : The school is 30 minutes away or it costs $40 to uber to that museum. Absolute and relative distance are used to describe the spacing of places or people.
Absolute vs. Relative Direction Absolute Direction Absolute Direction uses the cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West. It stays constant no matter where you are. Example: Canada is north of the United States. Relative Direction Relative Direction is based on personal perspective or context, and can change depending on where you're standing. Example: Turn left at the gas station or The mall is just past the river. Absolute and relative direction are used to describe direction when using maps. Imagine you're giving directions to someone visiting your city for the first time. Would you use absolute or relative directions — why?
Absolute vs. Relative Location Absolute Location Absolute Location uses Latitude and Longitude lines to give an exact location. Example: Vancouver, British Columbia is at 49.2827° N Latitude and 123.1207° W Longitude Relative Location Relative Location , like Relative Direction is based on personal perspective or context, and can change depending on where you're standing. Example: Belgium is between France, Germany, and the Netherlands Absolute and relative location are used to describe location when using maps.
Types of Maps
Types of Maps Reference Maps Reference Maps: An informational map that shows boundaries, names of places, and geographic features of an area. They can be used to find things, like roads, cities, and mountains. All maps can be grouped into two major categories: Thematic Maps Thematic Maps: A map that displays spatial patterns of places and uses quantitative data to display a specific topic or theme. They help us visualize data and reveal spatial patterns (like population, climate, or disease spread).
Reference Maps Reference maps show the physical or political features of an area, often with labels. They are designed to help people locate things, not analyze patterns. Physical Maps: Show natural features like mountains, rivers, and elevation. Example : A topographic map of the Rocky Mountains. Political Maps: Show human-made boundaries like countries, states, and cities. Example : A map of Europe's countries and capitals. Examples : A map of European countries A map of the NYC subway system A map of Disneyland
Thematic Maps Thematic maps display specific information about a place or pattern. They help geographers answer questions like: “Where is this happening?” and “Why there?” You will commonly see thematic maps in one of these five forms: Choropleth Dot Distribution Graduated Symbol Isoline Cartogram Examples : A choropleth map of European urban population A dot distribution map of seismic activit y A cartogram showing global emission
Choropleth Maps A choropleth map uses shades of color to show the value of something across different areas. Darker shades usually represent higher values, and lighter shades represent lower values. These maps are great for showing patterns across space, like: Population density Income levels Election results Disease rates Choropleth maps make it easy to see patterns and compare regions, but they don’t show variation within each shaded area.
A dot distribution map uses dots to represent quantities of a specific variable. Each dot usually equals one unit or a set number of units (like 1 dot = 1,000 people). These maps are great for showing where something happens and the spread or clustering of a feature. Population distribution Disease outbreaks Agricultural production Migration patterns Dot maps show exact locations and spatial patterns, like clustering or dispersal, but they can be hard to read when too many dots overlap. Dot Distribution Maps
Recognizing Spatial Patterns Patterns in our world are seldom random. Spatial features tend to be clustered, dispersed, or linear, and geographers use maps to identify and illustrate these patterns. Clustered Clustering occurs when features or data points are grouped closely together in one area. Example : Stores or restaurants located around a city center. Dispersed Dispersal happens when features are spread out over a large area. Example : Farms scattered across a rural landscape. Linear Linear patterns appear when features are arranged in a line or follow a specific path, like a road, river, or transit line. Example : Homes built along a highway or train route.
Graduated Symbol Maps A graduated symbol map uses symbols of different sizes (usually circles) to represent the amount or value of something at a specific location. The larger the symbol, the greater the quantity it represents. Common Uses: City population Number of COVID cases Number of stores or schools in a region Levels of resource production (like oil or wheat) Graduated symbol maps are useful for showing exact quantities and comparing locations, but overlapping symbols can make them hard to read in dense areas.
An isoline map uses lines to connect points of equal value across a space. These maps show gradual change and help visualize patterns like elevation or temperature. Common Uses: Elevation (topographic maps) Temperature (weather maps) Air pressure (meteorology) Rainfall or pollution levels Isoline maps are great for showing continuous data and gradual changes, but they can be hard to read if you’re not familiar with the lines. Isoline Maps
Cartograms A cartogram distorts the size and shape of areas based on a specific set of data instead of actual land area. Countries or regions appear larger or smaller depending on the value they represent. Common Uses: Population cartograms Economic output (like GDP) Energy use or carbon emissions Health statistics (like disease cases or vaccination rates) Cartograms make it easy to compare values across space, but they distort geography and may be hard to recognize at first glance. World Internet Usage World Population in 2000
Practice: Choropleth Map What does this choropleth map show? Which regions or countries show lower participation by women in the labor force? What spatial pattern do you notice? Are there any clear trends? What factors might be causing this? What is one limitation of using a choropleth map to show this kind of data?
Practice: Dot Map Where are the dots most densely clustered? What does this tell you about that region? Which areas have very few or no dots? What might explain this pattern? Where does each brand appear more dominant? What kind of spatial pattern is shown overall — clustering, dispersal, or linear? Support your answer.
Practice: Graduated Symbols Map Which areas have the largest symbols? What does that suggest about oil use in those places? Are there any areas with small or very few symbols? What might explain their lower oil consumption? What spatial pattern do you notice? Is oil use clustered in certain types of regions (e.g., urban, coastal, industrial)? What are some factors that might influence oil consumption in a state or region?
Practice: Cartogram Which region(s) appear largest on this map? How does this map differ from a traditional political map? Why might a cartographer choose to show data this way? What is one strength and one limitation of using a map like this to understand global trends? Map of Chickpea Production
Spatial Thinking in Action: A Map Investigation Lab At each station, you’ll examine a different type of map. Your goal is to figure out what kind of map it is, what it shows, and how it helps geographers understand the world. At each station: Look carefully at the map provided. Read any labels, symbols, or patterns. Use the guiding questions to analyze the map. Record your answers on your worksheet. After visiting all stations: Complete the wrap-up reflection to compare map types and explain what you learned.