Interpretation of thematic maps depicting environmentally significant features

Interpretation of thematic maps depicting environmentally significant features

1. Thematic Maps “Thematic maps are based on a particular theme or subject and show the distribution of various phenomena using a relevant cartographic / statistical technique.” e.g. population distribution, patterns of agricultural and industrial production, distribution of resources etc.

2. Cartographic techniques used in thematic map Graphical techniques: Located bars Located joint bar graphs Composite graphs Proportionate symbols Located proportionate circles Locate proportionate squares Isopleth maps Choropleth maps Dot maps Flow maps Pictogram

3. Key elements of map interpretation Theme of the map: Subject matter of the map shown either in title or index. Cartographic techniques used. Identifying highest and lowest among the distribution. Measurement using scale of the map. Comparison and distribution. General understanding about the thematic map.

4. Located bars

5. Questions: State the theme of map. ‘World most populated countries (2016)’ Which cartographic technique used in this map? Located bars Name the countries with highest and lowest population. Highest population - China Lowest population - Mexic o What is the population of USA? 350 million people approximately Why the population of Greenland and Russia is less comparatively? Most of the areas in Greenland and Russia are covered with snow throughout the year, therefore provides unfavorable conditions for human habitation. Therefore population of these countries is less.

6. Pie chart

7. Questions: State the theme of map. Land use in selected countries (agriculture , forest and other) Which cartographic technique used in this map? Located pie chart (divided circles) Name the countries with highest and lowest land used for agriculture. Highest agricultural land use (India) Lowest agricultural land use (Japan) What is the percentage of forest cover in Japan and Australia. Japan (70% approx) and Australia (20% approx.) What is the possible reason behind high proportion of agricultural land use in India? India’s economy is largely driven by agricultural sector to support the food production for satisfying the need of increasing population. Secondly, Government of India has constantly promoted its agricultural sector for ensuring sustained food grain supply.

8. Dot map

9. Questions: State the theme of map. Countries with large number of international migrants. Which cartographic technique used in this map? Dot map Name the countries with highest number of migrants. Highest (USA) Lowest (Canada) What is the population of migrants in Australia? 4 dots *2 (million migrants) = 8 million migrants Why the number of migrants in Asian and African countries is less? Asian and African countries are economically less privileged countries in the world. Besides, these countries are few of the largest populated countries in the world. Therefore, large number of people migrate to rich countries like USA and Western European countries.

10. Choropleth

11. Questions: State the theme of map. World human population 2005 Which cartographic technique used in this map? Choropleth map Name the countries with highest and lowest population concentration. Highest Population concentration: China and India Lowest Population: Canada, Australia What is the population of Australia and Japan? Australia (< 50 million) Japan (50 – 100 million) What are the possible reasons behind high concentration of population in India? High natural population growth, geographical factors like warm climate and cultural factors associated with high fertility rate.

12. Located bars