Parrallel Coordinate Graph

http://peltiertech.com/WordPress/composite-baseball-player-evaluation/

A parallel coordinate graph makes is easier for one to see differences in multidimensional data. The example above shows several factors at the same time; the percentage of a baseball measure, for nine players, over four different levels (as shown on the horizontal axis).

Stem and Leaf Plot

http://mainland.cctt.org/mathsummer/josephbond/stemandplots/stem-and-leaf_std.htm

Stem and leaf plots show a frequency showing which classes of values occur. It is used widely in statistics and can help one to see a shape in the distribution of the numbers. It is similar to a histogram, but it shows more. The example above shows the frequency of infant mortality rates in Africa.

Box Plot

http://www.netmba.com/statistics/plot/box/
The above is a simple example of a box plot, also know as a box and whisker plot.  This type of graph shows the median, upper and lower quartiles, and minimum and maximum values of a set of data in a simple display.

Histogram

http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelArticles/mc/Histogram.html

A histogram is a visual representation of data in order to see how the data is distributed. It is close to a bar graph, but shows data in frequency form. The data is separated into categories, labeled, and graphed. The above is showing the frequency of a behavior pertaining to a simulation.

Triangular Plot

http://www.igiltd.com/ig.NET%20Sample%20Pages/263.html

A triangular, or ternary plot, is used to plot and compare three variables dependent of eachother.  The above triangular plot shows the relative abundance of Methylhopane in a given rock sample.

Windrose



http://www.vistadatavision.com/reports/wind-rose/

This unique graph is used to display how wind direction and speed are distributed in a particular area.  This specific windrose shows a distribution of wind direction.

Climograph



http://www.colorado.edu/geography/extra/geogweb/bouldercreek/preview/page2.html

A climograph shows weather for a particular area over a period of time, usually a year. It is widely used by scientists to show temperature and precipitation on the same graph, such as the one above showing a city in Colorado's weather for a given year.

Population Profile

http://www.ifad.org/operations/regional/pf/aids_1.htm

A population profile shows the amount of people in an area as related to their age. A third variable can be brought in as well, such as AIDS as shown in the above example.

Scatterplot



http://www.netmba.com/statistics/plot/scatter/

In research, a scatter plot is used when there is a variable that is being manipulated by the experimenter. Normally the independent variable is plotted on the horizontal axis and the dependent variable is plotted on the vertical axis as shown in the example above.

Index Value Plot

http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/new/index.php?r=11&m=pa07d_dry&w=plot

An index value plot is a visual map that shows an index of measurements. The above is showing the percentage of stations that are above and below the expected percentage over a decade.

Lorenz Curve

http://www.unc.edu/depts/econ/byrns_web/Economicae/Figures/Lorenz.htm

The above is an explanative example of a Lorenz Curve.  This type of graph is used to express inequality among two related variables; in the above example: income and population.  Lorenz Curves are also useful in determining the GINI coefficient relating to inequality.

Bilateral Graph

http://www.econbrowser.com/archives/2010/09/the_yuans_cours_1.html

A bilateral graph, like the one above shows data sets that hold both positive and negative values.  Notice how the "Real bilateral rate" value dips below 0, requiring the use of a bilateral graph.



Nominal Area Choropleth Map

https://courseware.e-education.psu.edu/courses/geog482/policies.shtml

A nominal choropleth map is unique from other choropleths in that it presents data under labels or categories as opposed to specific numerical values.  It is a simpler map that usually deals with absolute conclusions, as in the case of this map showing, simply which minority group has the highest percent of the population in any given state.  Notice the variables are presented as the categories of race, not the percentages specifically.

Unstandardized Choropleth Map

http://flowingdata.com/2009/11/12/how-to-make-a-us-county-thematic-map-using-free-tools/

A Unstandardized Choropleth Map shows a large region shaded in different colors, such as the one above of the United States. They are used to take raw numbers from data instead of standardizing the values, hence the word "unstandardized."

Standardized Choropleth Map

http://www.directionsmag.com/newsletters/view/new-at-directions-magazine-wednesday-digest-july-21-2004/129148

The map above is a standardized choropleth map that separates data into classes before shading the regions. This one is showing rates per city of potential years of life lost due Prostate cancer in Canada.

Univariate Choropleth Map

http://www.geog.le.ac.uk/russianheartland/DemographicMaps/Raions.html

A univariate choropleth map shows only one variable and the variable usually becomes a darker color the more prevalent it is in an area. This map uses the standard classification method and is commonly used in population density displays such as this one depicting Russia's population density in 1989.

Bivariate Choropleth Map

http://www.geog.le.ac.uk/russianheartland/DemographicMaps/Raions.html

Bivariate maps show two variables at one time on one map. This can be done using a combination of colors, patterns, or symbols. The bivariate map above displays two variables, population density and percentage population change, and has the potential to show a relationship between those variables.

Classed Choropleth Map

http://my.ilstu.edu/~jrcarter/Geo204/Choro/Tom/

A classed choropleth map includes classified data that has been separated into different classes, making it easier for the viewer to understand and locate the data. The map above classifies individuals in Florida who are Hispanic or Latino by county. The darker color depicts a higher percentage of Hispanics/Latinos.

Unclassed Choropleth Map

http://www.agocg.ac.uk/reports/visual/casestud/dykes/issue3_1.htm

An unclassed choropleth map is more artistically driven than a classed choropleth map. It does not include a legend; instead, the data is afforded a color proportionate to its value. For instance, in the map above, the dark grey can be inferred to be much more intense on the scale than the very light grey color.

Range Graded Proportional Circle Map

http://www.gis.unbc.ca/courses/geog205/lectures/theme_map_pd/index.php

In a range graded proportional circle map, circles are used in different sizes proportional to the given value of the data. For instance, in the map above, we see amount of aerial bombardments of Britain during WWII. The more aerial bombardments that occurred, the bigger the circle in that area will be.

Continuously Variable Proportional Circle Map

http://alexgordon-mapcatalog.blogspot.com/2011/07/continuously-variable-proportional.html

In a continuously variable proportional circle map circles are used to show point data. Unlike a proportional circle map, it will show more than one variable. However, like a proportional circle map it also has data that is proportional to the size of the circle. The above map shows population and what major industries are involved in the certain regions.

DOQQ Map

 

http://lacoast.gov/maps/2005doqq/

Digital orthophoto quarter quads are digital images of a photograph taken aerially and show multiple pieces of information including landuse, watershed analysis, disaster, soil erosion, etc. The above map shows the cities in Louisiana and can provide multiple sources of information to researchers about the land in the different cities.

DEM Map

http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/events/department-news/634/santa-barbara-tsunami-warning/
Santa Barbara

A digital elevation model represents terrain data in 3-D. It is commonly used for planets, moons, and asteroids. It only depicts the terrain surface, nothing else such as buildings or trees. DEM's also commonly show temperature as shown in the above image.

DLG Map

http://hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=DESERTLIGHTS&t=c&s=htosports&p=custom&pagename=2011%20School%20Days

A digital line graph is a cartographic map using a digital vector. The digital vector is distributed by the United States Geological Survey. A DLG can have multiple different categories depending on the scale being used. They are commonly used for geographic information systems (GIS). The above map is an example of a DLG from google maps.

DRG Map

http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs08801.html

A digital raster graphic is the result of scanning a paper map to use it on a computer. Like a digital line graph, these are also typically used in GIS applications. The above is a scanned in DRG that shows the area of Washington DC from above and can be used for geographic information systems.

Isopleth Map

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/aq/acidrain/isomaps.htm

The above isopleth map depicts acid rain. Isopleth maps simplify data that have a continuous distribution. They are typically used for showing surface elevation, atmosphere pressure, and precipitation. A third dimension is included and is shown on the map as lines that connect points of equal value called isopleths.

Isopach Map

http://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/2007/1751/professional-paper/sediment-thickness.html

An isopach map is one that illustrates changes in thickness of stratum or a group of formations. The above map shows sediment thickness along a coast and the darker areas are thicker whereas the lighter areas are thinner. The stratum in an isopach map can show more information related to the given topic, in this case sediment.

Isohyet Map

http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/usstates/weathermaps/flprecip.htm

An isohyet map is one where isohyets are drawn connecting points that get the same amount of rainfall in an area. The above is a map of Florida and shows the areas that receive the same amount of rainfall as others.

Isotach

http://wxmaps.org/pix/avnmr.00hr.html

Isotach maps show wind direction and speed using contour lines and varying colors. The map above shows  a region's wind direction and speed using lines and purple and green colors identified by the key in the corner.

Isobars

http://pangea.tec.selu.edu/~cboylan/etec644/weather3.html

An isobar shows atmospheric pressure depicted with lines that pass through areas that have the same given value. Isobar lines never touch or cross over each other. The map above of an isobar is from the weather channel showing the current surface of the entire United States.

LIDAR

http://blog.lidarnews.com/lidar-as-art-to-honor-911-tragedy

LIDAR (light detection and ranging) uses light to measure to distances related to a target such as distance to the object among other properties of the target. This often done using pulses from a laser and can be applied to multiple sciences including geology and archaeology. The above is a LIDAR of the site where the twin towers were before the attack on 9/11.

Doppler Radar

http://kwilklab.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/polarimetric-doppler-radar-rocks-the-house/

A doppler radar map is one where velocity is shown visually. They are used commonly in weather predicting especially in times when hurricanes are likely to occur. The above doppler radar map shows wind velocity in central Florida during a hurricane.

Black & White Aerial Photograph

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1995/of95-017/

Black and white aerial photographs are taken from far above the area and can reveal a large amount of information including landforms, resources, etc. They are useful for mapping purposes on small and large scales. Taking different photos at different times can show changes over time. The map above will help individuals with mapping the lake shown and its unique shape as well as the area surrounding it.

Infrared Aerial Photo

http://www.stormsurf.com/page2/tutorials/hurricane.shtml

Infrared aerial photos can show changes in the environment and changes in the oceans as well as other useful things. Infrared photos are extremely sensitive to light and will show even seemingly insignificant changes over time. The above is a photo of a hurricane and could be compared to another photo of that region at another time to see the changes that occurred.

Cartographic Animation

http://www.tom-carden.co.uk/2008/09/02/new-work-hurricane-tracker-for-msnbc/

Catographic animation mapping is used to show a certain item on a map and it's change, usually over time. The above is an example of the changes in location of a hurricane over time.

Statistical Map

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/12/men-at-work-hoes-ploughs-and-steel/

A statistical map takes a statistic, labels it, and utilizes a key to see the differences in different areas on that topic. The above map shows two statistics. India's sex ratio is shown on the left and India's literacy rate is shown on the right.

Cartogram

http://politicalmaps.org/2004-presidential-election-maps/

Flow Map

http://www.spokanestreetdepartment.org/flowmaps.htm

A flow map shows object mobility from a certain location to another. The above shows the flow of traffic in Spokane. It also includes several keys offering a variety of information such as degree of traffic in a given area and a direction key so the individual can see which direction the map is going.

Isoline Map

http://regentsprep.org/regents/core/questions/questions.cfm?Course=ESCI&TopicCode=07

An isoline map is one where continuous lines join together points that have the same value. An example of how this map is useful is when mapping areas that have the same altitude, as seen in the map above.

Proportional Circle Map

http://personal.frostburg.edu/sbriggs0/maps.htm

A proportional circle map shows data in proportion to the size of the circle. For instance, the map above shows farm size in America in 2000. The bigger the farms, the bigger the circle is on the state.

Choropleth Map

http://www.colocarto.com/custom-thematic-maps

A choropleth map depicts information in proportion to a shade of a color. For instance, in the above map, the higher the income is, the darker the color is. Choropleth maps are routinely use for showing income and population density.

Dot Distribution Map

http://www.census.gov/geo/www/mapGallery/2kpopden.html

A dot distribution map displays a feature using a symbol. It is used to show a pattern with the information. It is commonly used with population density because it is a simple way to see changes with an area.

Propoganda Map

http://bibliodyssey.blogspot.com/2008/08/dogs-of-war.html

To me, propaganda maps are the most interesting of this catalog.  Propaganda maps relay a certain political message with the intention to persuade viewers of something.  The above map depicts the nations at war in 1914 as dogs barking at one another.

Hypsometric Map

http://www.landkarten.aridocean.com/

A hypsometric map shows elevations using contours and shading, batching, or tinting. The above photo is showing changes in terrain using shading.

PLSS Map

http://www.wigenweb.org/oneida/tmap.html

A public land survey system is used to identify titles and deeds for undeveloped lands. The above shows the land in five counties and even has indicators of location on the edges for easy location.

Cadastral Map

http://mappery.com/St-Louis-1870-Cadastral-Map

A cadastral map shows which individuals own certain parcels of land and the boundaries of that land. Cadastral maps vary in detail; the one above is hard to see clearly, but seems to have an extensive amount of detail.

Thematic Map

http://www.gigawiz.com/thematic.html

Thematic maps, as their name suggests, are used to display a certain theme within an area.  The theme of the above map is political party; whether a state has a republican or democratic governor specifically.

Topographic Map

http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/schoolchildrens/topographic.htm

Topographic maps are characterized by showing vertical features of an area, such as elevation.  The above topographic map of India uses an altitude scale to indicate elevation, but contour lines are also a popular method to show elevation.

Planimetric Map

http://www.smart-traveler.info/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/road_map_of_tallahassee_fl_usa.gif

Planimetric maps are simple displays that show only horizontal features.  A good example of planimetric maps are road maps, like the one above.  Notice how the map does not indicate elevation.

Mental Map

http://www.handmaps.org/mapsind.php?mapID=130

Mental maps are personal perceptions of the surrounding world.  Such maps are unique to the individuals that create them from memory.  The above example is a hand drawn map, showing directions using landmarks and streets that are memorable to the creator.