Statistical Map

http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/wind_installed_capacity.asp

This is a specific map where the factor measured is in variations across a geographical area. In this example populations is the measured quantity, in variation across the US. It allows individuals to compare and contrast different populations across different states which could be helpful for research when creating programs or policies.

Stadardized Choropeth Map

http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2007/oct/07_0091.htm

These maps are used to display areal averages of information that is being obtained from the variables being measures. and therefore can compare areas in different sizes. Essentially all the data is standardized. It generally uses different shades of coloring to represent different aspects of numerical data. This map measures the percentage of individuals living in poverty.

Univariate Choropleth Map

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/USA_states_population_density_map.PNG/800px-USA_states_population_density_map
Typically univariate choropleth maps describes one variable spread across a specific location, are, or region. It can be used to show information in cities, regions, countries, or globally. Other choropleth maps show more than one variable. This map shows one variable, being population per sq. mile in the 2000 census.

Bilateral Graph

http://www.dfat.gov.au/media/speeches/department/041005_csiro_climate_science_meeting.html

A bilateral graph represents two or more variables that are related. Bilateral graphs can be show information in different ways, like line or bar. In this graph, the variable measure is the percent change to meet Kyoto Targets in reference to the countries involved in the agreement.

Isopleth

http://shelf3d.com/i/contour%20lines

Isopleths is a type of contour lines, that connect areas on a map, that exhibit  same amount of a certain meteorological occurrence. The data has to be collected over a specific area. It is also referred to as isogram isoline, and the name isopleth is derived from plethos which means quantity
An example is population density. 

LIDAR Map

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories/s798b.htm

LIDAR is an abbreviation for light detection and ranging. It is a remote sensor that measures distance, uses a laser to find a target, and measure its results through the reflective light. It is useful and applied i archaeology, geography geology and more. In this case, the LIDAR image is presenting ground zero on September 2001. 

Isopach

http://www.geo.utexas.edu/faculty/barker/kempter/rbtephra.html

An Isopach map are characterized by contour lines used to measure/illustrate stratigraphic thickness variations in a given area. It is most useful in a number of fields including (not limited to) the study of geology, volcanoes, sediments,and stratigraphy. In this particular isopach the map of Rio Blanco is presented and the tephra deposition is measured after the active crater erupted.

Isohyet

http://www.reec.nsw.edu.au/k6/page/wa14.htm

An isohyet is a map that joins lines at points where equal precipitation is occurring in  given area, at a given time. This Isohyet map is of the average rainfall from the government of Austrailia.

.An isohyet map has connecting points showing the same amount of rainfall in a given period. In the map above of Australia, the colors represent different amounts of rainfall (green being the least and red being the most). 

Isotach Map

http://www.wxonline.info/topics/jetstream.html

An isotach map uses contour lines similar to those seen in topographic maps. The difference is that isotach maps are measuring something entirely different: wind of equal speeds and directions, which the map makes visible for users to visualize. Essentially the connection points map out the equal wind speeds. Above is an example of an isotach that shows Kansas to the Great Lakes.

Population Profile

http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/y8331e/y8331e05.htm

This is an example of a population profile. It projects the population of Botswana in 2020, with and without the AIDS epidemic. Source: United States Census Bureau, World Population Profile (2000). Population profiles are characterized by population being measured in reference to the second variable, age, and how they are in relation to one another. In this case, the determining factors AIDS. It basically charts the numbers of individuals as a function to their age. 

DLG Map

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/GIS/descdlg.html

The DLG map is a digital line graph that shows features in the vector form rather tan raster format. That means that data is coded in points, lines and polygons. They are generally used in three scales, large intermediate and small, and obtains information from the USGS. This DLG is a digital image in Beaufort, South Carolina

DOQQ Map

http://www.tceq.texas.gov/gis/doqtnrcc.html

DOQQ is abbreviated for digital orthophoto quarter. This georectified map  (tied to coordinates and map projections) is a raster formatted photo image by high-altitude aerial photography. he DOQQ technique uses various types of films so that the image may be manipulated to be false color-infrared or in real color. The reason that false color is used is because it helps differentiate terrain features at the surface. The image above is a DOQQ image in Texas from 1995.

Digital Elevation Model (DEM Map)

http://www.satimagingcorp.com/svc/dem.html

DEM is an abbreviation for digital elevation models. A DEM is a digital map from USGS and consists of terrain and elevation features in the raster format. This means that DEM map data is observed, recorded and saved in a pixel. The DEM relies on a coordinate system and map projections, and does not have to be colorized. In this image the DEM is used to construct this image of Eritria, Africa.

Digital Raster Graphic (DRG Map)

                http://lter.msu.edu/maps/gis_data.php

A DRG map is short for digital raster graphic. This type of map is typically results from scanned topographic maps and is a digital image. Just as the DEM, it is created by the USGS and saved in the raster format (observed, recorded and saved in pixel or cell).This particular map is an image of a part of Michigan, in which the Kellogg Biological Station of Michigan University is located.

Doppler Radar - Hurricane

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2004/s2311.htm

Doppler radar imagery is very useful in mapping and predicting the weather. Predicting weather and mapping virtually go hand in hand predicating weather is best done spatially. Doppler radars be used in aviation, sounding satellites, and meteorology, following large storms or hurricanes, and giving the daily local wether to citizens. This doppler radar image shows how a hurricane over the state of Florida, I know first hand how important the use of doppler radar is here in Florida!

Nautical Maps

http://celebrating200years.noaa.gov/datasets/charts/image5.html

Nautical maps are very useful tool for maritime area and navigation in the marine, as well as in the coastal areas. Generally the map shows the depths of water, prevalent topographic features of the coastal areas adjacent to the body of water and the shorelines of these lands. Here we can see the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding coastal areas. 

Thematic Map - Politics

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

A thematic map is a type of map that portrays a certain theme over a certain area. The theme can have more that one variable (i.e. Republicans and Democratic States) represented. The themes can range anywhere from social, political, agricultural, cultural to physical. These specific themes can be measured in certain area that can be a city, region, country or even on global scale. This specific map, hold a political theme, showing the major political parties of the US.

Range Graded Proportional Circle Map

http://www.neiu.edu/~nerobert/Circle%20Map
A range graded proportional map is a type of point pattern map, and one type (of two) proportional circle maps. Only a certain set of circles are used in the map to convey the data measured/observed. It illistates circes in relation  to specific ranges of data

Nominal Choropleth Map

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

A nominal area choropleth is a type of thematic map and displays nominal-level areal data. Furthermore, this kind of data is not organized quantitatively, but qualitative instead. What this maens is that certain characteristics (i.e crime, minorities, race, etc) are categorized together, regardless of the numerical values involved. There is no ranking from high to low, or better to worse. In this example, percentages of minority groups are observed and categorized by color in each state.  

Bivariate Choropleth Map

http://proceedings.esri.com/library/userconf/proc99/proceed/papers/pap171/p171.htm

Bivariate choropleth maps are able to map the distribution of two different variables on one plane. Generally one variable is presented in terms of different shadings/colors (based on specific intervals) while the other is presented on the same area but in the form of patterns (polka dots, horizontal lines, vertical lines, etc.) It's useful as you can see both sets of data in a certain area at the same time. This map is observing the relationship between median house income and population. 

Infrared Aerial Photo (color)

https://www.fas.org/irp/imint/docs/rst/Sect10/Sect10_1.html

Infrared areial photos are often very useful in observing the state and health of vegetation shown in the map, as well as bodies of water. The type of infrared imagery used is call infrared light; specifically located on the near-infrared part of the spectrum. This is an infrared aerial photo of the Susquehanna Water Gap passing through Blue Mountain. Looking at the photo one can see the red tones from fields, in which winter wheat is growing

On this date, the color-IR photo shows limited red tones from fields in which winter wheat is growing.

Classified Choropleth Map

http://krygier.owu.edu/krygier_html/geog_353/geog_353_lo/geog_353_lo07.html

In classified choropleth map is characterized by areal units being organized into specific ranges and presented in a map in the form of intervals. Each interval of the measured quantity or variable is classified into certain shades or colors. This allows users to be able to easily visualize the differences in an area. The map provided is a goo example of what you might see if looking for classified choropleth maps. Each color represents a certain range of numerical data, which clarified by the map keys on the right hand side.

Unclassified Choropleth Map - Fertility

http://www.esds.ac.uk/international/support/user_guides/gisoverview.asp

There are several types of choropleth maps. This particular type is called an unclassified choropleth map. It's similar to other choropleth maps as it uses different shading of colors to represent data, but in this case the data is not areally averaged into specific intervals. However, because of that fact, it might be more useful than classified choropleth maps because color shades are directly proportional to each numerical value, and so it shows a wide variety of shading that represents the diversity of the data (rather than classifying it into large intervals). The diagram above shows the fertility rate in various countries of Europe. The darkest shade of orange represents the maximum fertility, while the lightest shade shows the least fertility. 

Black and White Aerial Photo

http://freegeographytools.com/2007/goofing-around-with-pan-sharpening

This is black and white aerial photo. It is a unique approach to viewing Earths surface. It may be taken  and obtained by airplanes and helicopters, at different times, and use different scales.  Comparing black and white aerial photos to space imagery it, it can be used as an advantage as the photo can be obtained at any time and the resolution can be higher than those captured from space. 

Triangular Plot

http://geographyfieldwork.com/DataPresentationTriangularGraphs.htm

A triangular plot is a two-dimensional graph that plots and observes the relationship between 3 variables. The three variables at hand are chosen in relation to what is being investigated overall and presented, in an equilateral triangle, as ratios. For example, this triangular plot  shows the contrasting service structures - gentrification services, immigrant services, and other services El Raval (an inner-city area of Barcelona).

Parellel Coordinate Plot

http://eagereyes.org/techniques/parallel-coordinates

Parallel coordinate plots allows each variable to be visualized as it is graphed on the vertical axis. Although it seems complex, it is actually very useful in visualizing multi-dimensional numerical data sets. This parallel coordinate plot relays information on cars released from 1970 to 1982. From each data element,  you an visually see the correlations and trends.

.

Correlation Matrix

http://yin.che.wisc.edu/images.htm

A correlation matrix uses visualization to present the correlation between multiple variables. It is a symmetric matrix as (hypothetically) the correlation between X1 and X2 is the same as the correlation between X2 x X1. Finding the correlation between these variable is useful the effects of variables can have on each other. 

Similarity Matrix

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2164/8/353/figure/F5?highres=y

A similarity matrix is a matrix in which measures the similarities between data points o the variables being observes. The matrix works off o a scale made of different shades of colors to show whether two points are more very similar, somewhat similar, or no significant similarity at al. In the provided similarity matrix, the darkest squares show which points are significantly similar, while the lighter shades or and white show little or no significant similarity, respectively. 

Lorenz Curve - Population vs. Income

http://www.economicsconcepts.com/lorenz_curve_and_gini_coefficient.htm

The curved line is the Lorenz Curve while the straight obliqued line is the line of income equality. 

Index Value Plot - Economics

http://www.muhlenkamp.com/investment/principles/whats_the_new_normal_economics_rules_markets

When using the index value plot, index value is plotted, based on what is being measured, over a number of years. For example if making a plot for food production in Latin America, the index plot may use the average capita food production over several years as its index value. To make the values relative to the plot, the values are multiplied by 100. In contrast, the figure above uses an index value of 0 as it measures the increases and decreases of manufacturing over the years, while taking into account recessions.

Windrose from Maine.

http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/meteorology/Windrosehome.html

Windroses are examples of circular plots. As the figure above shows, a windrose is a visual depiction that shows the frequencies of different wind direction at a given area. This windrose from Maine spans from a period of 5 years, shows where wind came from, and is site specific.  

Climograph - Nashville, Tennessee

http://hercules.gcsu.edu/~doetter/courses/geog1112/labs/geog1112_climograph.html

A climograph essentially presents the relationship between temperature and precipitation in a given location. The information is organized to monthly interval (January-December) throughout a given year, and each bar gives the amount of precipitation each month. This is an example of a climograph for Nashville, Tennessee. 

Star Plot - Cars

http://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/eda/section3/starplot.htm

Star plots are very visual plots that allow viewers to visualize the variables at hand. Star plots can be use  virtually any type of information or variable objects that are comparable. Each obvervations is plotted as it's own star, and the radii show the different characteristics of the variables of each observation. Star plots are useful in finding out which of the observations are most similar. The figure shown above compares different types of cars, and the variables include length, mileage, price, headroom and more. This is a star plot of 16 cars as it presents each car as its own star and each is composed differently as you o through the variables for each vehicle.

Histogram Example

http://cnx.org/content/m16576/latest/

Histograms show the relationship between the measured value (x-axis) and its frequency (y-axis). It used graphical representation to show these values using bars. Its useful in showing the ranges of values as well as determine the distribution of he measured variable. In the given histograms, it displays these characteristics and the variable measured is age of patients, while the y-axis measures the frequency of each age group that comes into the clinic

Box plot - Calculus Class

http://chronicle.com/blognetwork/castingoutnines/2010/04/25/the-case-of-the-curious-boxplots/

A box plot is also called a box diagram. Box plots are useful in taking sets of data and organizing them into a graphical summary using percentiles, median, the average, and measures of dispersion. They are also good for showing the differences in several sets of data. In the box plot provided, it is characterized by the main features seen on any box plot. We have the percentiles (25, 50, 75), the median, the average. This box plot was created by a professor who was analyzing his classes percentages to each objective of the Calculus course including conceptual knowledge, calculations, problem solving, and overall.

Stem and Leaf Plot

http://www.shmoop.com/basic-statistics-probability/stem-leaf-plots.html

Stem plots can be used to show each data in relation to another set of data. Although it sounds like a scatterplot, it is very different. The information is both analyzed and presented at one time using a special format. Stem and leaf plots are characterized by a "stem" column on the left side, and then a second column for the "leaf " information, although the information does not have to always be about stem and leafs, its a way to organize two sets of data in relation to each other. In the stem and leaf plot above it is literally using information about stems and numbers of leaves, but in another example as seen in class slides, it can show test scores. You can see the two columns and the information they hold clearly. 

Scatter Plot - Income vs. Experience

http://allpsych.com/researchmethods/correlation.html

Scatter plots basically shows relationships between two variables. Each observation is shown with a dot in the place of its value. A trend line is typically used to show the overall direction in which the data is going, otherwise known as the graph's trend. A weak or strong relationship can also be see by looking at the dots, and their proximity to the trend line (closer means stronger relationship). In this scatter plot, the relationship between income and years of experience is looked at and measured. It also has a trend line, that happens to be positive in this case, which means as years of experience increases, so does income.

Cartogram - Computers

http://www.digitalgeography.co.uk/archives/2007/11/meeting-the-challenges-of-globalization-brief-conference-report/

Cartograms use a certain theme in which determines the size of land area and distance of a region on the map. What that means is, the countries are not measured to look like a real directional map, but one that is scaled and determined by the number of that measured quantity in that country. In a nutshell is utilizes relative scaling to present the data of each country/area. For example, the world population by country can be use to distort each country to proportions that represent the number of individuals that make up the population. This is an example of a cartograms as it measures the amount of personalized computers used in each country (2004). Just as any cartogram, the area and distances are distorted to match this number.

Flow Map - Wine Export

http://datavisualization.ch/tools/flow-map-layout/

Flow charts are useful in follow and present the movement of a phenomenon or object from one place to another. For example, the map can follow the pathway of populations of people, good being traded from one place to another, traffic flow, and even movements of diseases. This map shows the movement of the export of French wine in 1864 by Charles Minard.

Isobar Map - UK Pressure

http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/wxfacts/Isobars-on-surface-maps.htm

Isobar Maps is one a several types of contour maps used today. The most typically know is topographic map, which measures elevations using contour lines. In the case, isobar maps also use contour lines but to measure a different variable: air pressure. As shown above, contour lines are showing the patten of the areas air pressure (in the UK and Ireland), which happens to be low in some areas, high in others. This map can be used to predict what the weather may be like in the region.

Proportional Circle Map (continuously graded) - Hispanic Pop.

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/c3_p16.html

The proportional circle map is a type of point pattern map. It uses varied sized of circles to represent data (not locations), rather than dots There are two types of proportional circle maps, and this happens to be range graded, as the size of circle is used to represent a certain proportion of data or individuals. The other, continuously graded, is characterized by pie charts. This post can be compared with the dot density map, as they measure the same information but presented with different types of point pattern maps.

Dot Density Map - Hispanic Pop.

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/c3_p16.html

Dot density (distribution) maps use dots to represent a certain number, measuring an occurrence or phenomenon. The sizes of the dots do not vary and location is relative, rather than absolute. Dot density maps are also a type of loin pattern map, which can be compared to proportional circle map. The dot density map shown above, highlights Hispanic populations across, the United States, in which each dot represents 100,000 hi panic individuals in that area.

Propaganda Map - AntiCommunism

http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/mapping/6434

Propaganda maps often use distortions and manipulations of space, to intentionally influence the public opinion on certain issues. In this case, Russia is used to look like an immediate threat, that could "sweep" across Europe and take over at any moment. Although one might not see how this can rally support (if they seem like such a treat) from the public, that is exactly the point. The map is distorted to influence the publics view on Russia negatively, and the amount of threat they pose to democracy. In showing Russia in such a manner, it rallies support for military spending, so that his dangerous force may be stopped.

Hyspometric Map - France

http://www.reliefshading.com/colors/hypsometric.html

The typical Hypsometric map is characterized by relief shading, contour lines, and raised relief. As seen in the map above of France, different coloring and shading allows the map user to see differences in the area, in regards to elevation.

PLSS Map

http://www.nationalatlas.gov/articles/boundaries/a_plss.html

A Public Land Survey System (PLSS) uses a system of surges to divide public portions of land owned by the Federal Government of the United States. The PLSS uses a specific division plan in which involves dividing land into townships, and subdividing these townships further with th use of an initial point. This is an example of PLSS being used in the United Sates and showing the Prime meridians and base lines running through each state. Prime meridians run north and south, through the initial piont, while the base line runs east and west to it.

Cadastral Map

http://www.icsm.gov.au/mapping/maps_cadastral.html

Cadastral maps are characterized by their use of showing differing parcels of land and ownership, on pubic record and survey. This particular map shows precise borders between differently owned lands and property, as ell as the relationship it has with the railroad tracks in this area.

Choropleth Map

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

This choropleth map is a thematic map in which areas are shaded or patterned to represent certain set of data. In this case, the estimated median household income was measured throughout the individual states within the USA. The differences in shades of red would represent various salaries as shown in the map key. More specifically it is an unstandardized choropleth map as it is not areally averaged

Planimetric Map - Vancouver, Canada

http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/fova/clr2-5c.htm

This is a planimetric map that involves the depiction of space in regards to the horizontal layout of the features on the map. This means that elevation is not a factor that is measured, as it is in topographic map and uses two dimensional information. This particular map shows the streets, shipyards, and airport of Vancouver, Canada.

Topographic Map - Bryce Canyon

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/High_School_Earth_Science/Topographic_Maps

This is a topographic map. It is characterized by the contour lines that are used in topographic maps to show the changes in elevation in the area. The differences between each contour line is called contour intervals. This is particularly a topographic map of Swamp Canyon Trail portion of the Bryce Canyon National Park. 

Mental Map

http://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/MAS/MAS.965/f04/assignments/tripti/Assignment10/index.htm

This is a representation of a mental map. This particular map was made as an assignment by a student I presume to be in MIT or living around the campus, as the student describes the  area and the surrounding below the mental map. It is considered a mental map because it is a unique interpretation of space as seen by the student. The student also explains that it seemed highlights areas seen on a regular basis, while other building or streets were misinterpreted or put in areas that do not match up with a regular street map. All in all, it is cognitively construed by her perception.