Week 3: Data Classification Lab

The above maps show the percentage African American population of Escambia County, Florida using census data from the year 2000. Each of the four maps uses a different type of data classification.

I chose the equal interval map as the best map to display this data. The evenly distributed breaks make it easy for the map user to identify and easily compare different areas of the black population. The quantile and natural break classification maps contain uneven breaks that make it difficult to compare different areas on the maps. The standard deviation classification map's breaks make it very hard for any map user, much less a novice to understand what each color actually represents.

Module 1 Lab Assignment

I chose the above map as an example of a bad map. This map was an attempt to represent North American cities with Swiss Airline flight destinations and cities that held partner airline operations. What makes this a bad map is the errors in geographic location for most major cities. For example Little Rock, Arkansas is located far north of it's actual location and Sacramento, California is depicted east of it's correct location. I would hope the Swiss Airline pilots do not use flight maps created by the same individual.

The map above is my choice for a good map. This map represents religion as it relates to regions in the United States. This map is labeled in a clear and detailed manner. The data is conveyed simplistically, with the use of different colors to represent the leading religious bodies in each county. The user is given all relevant information at the base of the map that they would need to effectively understand the data the map communicates.