01.

Maps of Distribution

01.00 Introduction:

You must have seen the globe or the wall maps in the school. You also may have seen the
maps of district, state or country in the text books. After seeing these maps, you might have
wondered about the purpose of preparing these maps. Exactly which information do we get from
these? How (using which method) are these maps prepared? Now we are going to gather
information about some such questions.

The main purpose of the maps is to indicate / show the location of a place. Also, the maps help
us understand the distance between different places, the direction of various places etc.
Besides / in addition, some maps are prepared with specific purpose. They are called as
objective / specific-purpose maps or distributive maps. These are also called as Thematic maps.
These maps are used for showing the distribution of elements in a region. For example: rain /
precipitation, temperature, population, crops etc. It is necessary to gather statistical information
of an element to show its distribution in the map of a specific region. The data obtained is
distributed in the map in a specific way. The statistical information is understood better through
the distributive maps than by reading it.

There are three methods of indicating distribution of elements in a map:

1) Dot method
2) Shade method (?choropleth)
3) Isopleth method

Now let us get detailed information of each of these methods.

01.01 Dot Method

In the dot method maps, the distribution of elements is shown with the help of dots. The
proportion of the dots given in the map is same as the proportion of the distribution of elements
in the region. The dot method is useful to indicate the distribution of mainly the components that
are freely scattered. For example: population, livestock etc.

The minimum and maximum numbers of the elements have to be taken into consideration to
determine the value of the dots while preparing map by dot method. This value can be decided
from the size of the dots, density of the elements and the scale/proportion of the map, after
obtaining the minimum and maximum number from the statistical information. After deciding a
dots number as standard, the dots are placed in the map to indicate specific number of an
element of a region (To show a specific figure/number of an element of a region, dots are
placed in the map after taking a dots number / figure as standard). The number of dots to be
placed for each subdivision of the map has to be pre-determined.
The followings things should be kept in mind while preparing a map by dot method:

The dots should not be drawn very close or densely.

The size of each dot should be same.
The natural composition / structure, transport system, the network of roads of the region
should be taken into consideration and accordingly the dots should be drawn.
Therefore, while preparing a map by dot method, it is necessary to study beforehand
the natural map, the transport route map as well as the map of sub divisional borders of
that region.

We have learnt about the use, the importance and the process of preparing dot method map.
Now let us see an example of the dot method map.

Observe this map of the population distribution of Amaravati district. This map shows the
distribution of population of the Amaravati district in the year 2011. After studying the list in the
map we realize that each small dot in the map indicates population of 5,000, the dot bigger than
that shows population of 50,000; the dot bigger than that shows one lakh, then as per the size of
the dots the population shown goes on increasing as two lakhs, five lakhs, ten lakhs, twenty
lakhs etc. We can perceive the population of Amaravati district from the size of the dots in the
list and from the dots drawn in the map. (It should be understood that) the density of population
is more wherever the dots are drawn densely in the map. Conversely, the density of population
is less wherever the dots are sparsely drawn. Now let us make an in-depth study of this map
through some question answers.

What is the population of the Amaravati city?

The population of Amaravati city is five lakhs. Because the size of dot in the maps list that
shows five lakhs and the size of the dot in the Amaravati city is same.

What is the name of the place in the map that has population of one lakh?

The population of Achalpur taluka is one lakh.

In which taluka the density of population is very less?

The density of population is very less in the Chikhaldara taluka. Because, in the map the dots
drawn in the chikhaldara taluka are very sparse.

In which taluka the density of population is more?

The density of population is more in Varud taluka. Because in the map the dots are drawn more
densely in Varud taluka.

We have obtained detailed information about dot method. There is another method of indicating
distribution of elements in the map shadow / shade method (?choropleth) . Now, let us get
information about shade method.

01.02 Shadow / Shade method :

In the shade method map, the distribution of elements is shown with help of tinting (colour hues)
or shading. Statistical information is obtained by survey or by measuring the elements to
prepare a map by this method. The statistical information is same / only one in each sub-
division in the region. The minimum and maximum values of the statistical information in the
region are decided. This helps us understand the range or limits of the values of the elements.
Various values should be divided into 5 to 7 groups to show the distribution of the information in
the map. Different shades of the same colour or black and white structures should be used for
each of these groups. These shades or the black and white structures go on becoming darker
(deeper) from lower values to the higher values.

We have learnt the importance and process of preparing maps of shade method. Now let us see
an example of this method.

See this map that shows the distribution of the density of population in the Amaravati district.
This map shows the distribution of density of population in Amaravati district in the year 2011.
When we observe the list in the map we realize that in this map the different values have been
divided into 5 groups to show the distribution of density of population. Less than 100, 100 to
200, 200 to 300, 300 to 400 and more than 400. If we observe (by observing) the colour shades
in the map according to each of these groups, we can easily understand / find out the density of
population in each taluka. Now let us study this map with the help of some question answers.

In which talukas the density of the population is 300 to 400?

The density of population of the talukas Dharani and Anjangaon Surji is 300 to 400.

What is the density of population of the Amaravati taluka?

The density of population o Amaravati taluka is more than 400.

Name the talukas with density of population less than 300.

The density of population of the following talukas is less than 300 : Chikhaldara, Bhatkuli,
Nandgaon Khandeshwar, Chandur Railway, Dhamangaon Railway, Tiwsa, Daryapur, Chandur
Bazar, Morshi and Varud.

Name the talukas which have density of population 200 to 300.

The density of population of the talukas Daryapur, Chandur Bazar, Morshi and Varud is 200 to
300.

We have gathered detailed information about dot method and shade method. The third method
for showing the distribution of elements in a map is Isopleth method. Now let us get
information about Isopleth method.

01.03 Isopleth Method:

First, answer my few questions before getting information about isopleth method.

What are the lines joining the places of same temperature called?
Correct. The lines joining places of same temperature are called isotherms.

What are the lines joining the places of same air-pressure called?

Correct. The lines joining the places of same air-pressure are called isobars.

This means, you know that the isotherm or isobar lines are drawn in the maps which show
places of same temperature or same air-pressure. Such lines which show same/identical values
are called isogram or isopleth. The distribution of variables like height/elevation, temperature,
rain/precipitation, air-pressure is continuous / uninterrupted. Isopleth method is used for
showing this type of distribution in a map.

It is necessary to know statistical information of height/elevation or rainfall of some places for

preparing isopleth map. While preparing such map it is assumed that the difference in the height
or rainfall of two places takes place at similar speed (rate). This means that it is assumed that
distance between the two consecutive isogram lines is same for the entire map. For example,
the distance between all the consecutive isogram lines in this map is same, that is, 10 mm. In
an isopleth map, the sub-divisions in that region are not taken into consideration, but the
statistical data of each place is considered. Such type of statistical information is referred as
point-reference information. The value of the variables should be written at different places on
the map. In this method, it is necessary that we should know the value of that variable from
many (more and more) places for correct mapping / illustration of the information. Also, this
statistical information has to be accurate.

The minimum and maximum value of an element is taken into consideration while preparing
isopleth map. The values are classified according to this information. Please keep this in mind
that lines are drawn for this decided classification. While drawing these lines, it is necessary to
decide the distance between them. Then the places of same value are joined by a line.

If the lines are closer to each other, the variation is sever/sharp and if they are away from each
other, then the variation is mild.

With the help of isopleth maps, we immediately notice the difference in the distribution.

We have learnt the use and importance of isopleth maps and the process of preparing maps by
isopleth method. Now let us see an example of isopleth method.

See this map that shows the distribution of rainfall in the Amaravati district. This map shows the
annual average rainfall of Amaravati district. When we observe this map we realize that this
map shows the distribution of rainfall from less than 80 mm. to more than 130 mm. The values
of rainfall have been classified into 7 groups to show this distribution. The shades of same
colour, ranging from light to dark shades, have been used for this purpose. Now analyze the
following question answers for an in-depth observation/study of this map.

Which part of the district has more rainfall?

The rainfall is more in the northern part of the district.

In which direction of the district the rainfall is less?

The rainfall is less in the west direction of the district.

What is the minimum rainfall in the district?

The minimum rainfall in the district is less than 80 mm.

What is the maximum rainfall in the district?

The maximum rainfall in the district is more than 130 mm.

In which part of the district, the rainfall is 80 to 90 mm.?

In the central part of the district, the rainfall is 80 to 90 mm.

So, we have obtained information about the types of (objective) specific-purpose maps and the
methods of preparing them.

Similar to the maps, field visit is also important in geography. Now let us get information about
geographical field visit.

01.04 Geographical Field visit:

Geography is a science to be learnt by observation. Field study is an integral and important part
in the study of geography. Actually visiting an area to understand the geographical
circumstances of a place is called as geographical field visit. Geographical field visit is very
helpful in understanding the co-relation between human and the environment of that region.
Therefore field visit proves a very useful tool for anyone studying geography.

Before going for any field study, it is necessary to plan it. First a field or area should be selected
while planning a field visit. Some things need to be taken into consideration when selecting /
choosing a field. Let us see which these things are:

01.04.01 Field Selection (Selecting a field):

Detailed information about the local circumstances (conditions) should be obtained while
selecting a place for geographical field visit. Places like natural land-forms, river bank, dam,
sea-coast / beach, tourist location, a museum or office related to geographical elements, a
village, forest area etc. can be chosen for field visit. The permits necessary for field visits should
be obtained.

It is necessary to carry materials like note-book, specimen questionnaire, pen, pencil, scale,
tape (measuring tape) compass, paper to collect specimens, polythene bag, map, camera,
binoculars etc. while going for field visit.

After selecting an area for visit, it is necessary to make some preparations before going for
actual field visit. Let us find out what preparation is required for field visit.
01.04.02 Preparation for Field Visit:

Before going for a field visit, it is necessary to know the purpose of our visit; which means, the
elements to be observed during the field visit should be decided. Accordingly, the transport
route to reach the decided place and the map of that region should be studied. The distance to
the place of field visit, the transport route to reach there, means of transport and time required
for the field visit should be planned. A questionnaire should be prepared as per the instructions
of the teacher, to collect the information of that region according to the purpose (of the visit)

Once the place of field visit is decided, preparations of field visits are completed, then we are
ready to go for actual field visit. However some things should be consciously followed when we
actually go for field visit. Let us learn about these things.

01.04.03 Care to be taken during field visit:

It is necessary to take care of the following important things during the field visit:

It is necessary to maintain our own safety and that of others while going for field visit.
Teachers instructions should be followed during the field visit.
Should not go alone at unknown places.
While moving around the surroundings of field visit, the conditions/circumstances should
be reviewed (studied) by contacting the local people there.
Care should be taken that environment of that place should not get damaged by us
during field visit.
Should carry first-aid emergency box.

A field visit cannot be considered complete without writing a report after the field visit. There is a
specific method of report-writing. Let us learn the method.

01.04.04 Report Writing:

A report should be written (report-writing) after completing field visit. Observations along with all
the collected information should be included in the report writing. Drafts (outlines), maps,
pictures and photos etc. should be used in the report-writing. Similarly, graphs should be drawn
to indicate the statistical information, if possible. This report-writing should be brief and in our
own handwriting. The following points should be mainly included in this:

Introduction / Preface:
The report should have an introduction. It should have brief information regarding the
place of field visit, purpose of the visit and general information about what is there in the
report.
Location and route map:
In the report it is necessary to add map showing geographical location of the field visit
and the route to reach there. In this, you are expected to write the information regarding
how you reached that location.
Natural elements:
 Information regarding the natural elements at the place of field visit should be written in
the report. For example: if there is a river, then its name, whether it is perennial, soil
type, unevenness of the land, whether it is forest land or any other region, etc. These
things should be written in the report.
Climate:
Description of the climate at the place of field visit should be included in the report. For
example: warm, humid, dry/arid, wet etc.
Geo-deployment:
The different things for which the land is being used at the place of field visit, should be
written. For example: agriculture, settlements, animal husbandry, factories etc.
Population:
The information regarding how much is the population of the place, the male-female ratio
in it, literacy percentage, gender ratio etc.
Environmental issues and solutions:
Find out if there are any environmental issues at the place of field visit. If so, suggest
measures to eliminate those issues. Also, brief information should be written about the
causes that might have created these problems.
Conclusion:
You should write about the conclusions that you have derived from the field visit. This
means, you should write about the results that you have achieved through the field visit.

Thus, the report writing should be completed and presented to the teacher. With teachers
advice, necessary changes can be made in the above points as per the place and purpose of
the field visit.

Map reading and field study in practical geography are important parts in the study of
geography. Maps provide information in the visual form and field visits study give primary
information about the area, to the students.

01.05 I know this:

In this lesson we have studied three methods of indicating distribution of elements in the
specific-purpose maps dot method, shade method and isopleth method.

In the maps of dot method, distribution of the elements is shown with the help of dots. Dots
method map is mainly used to show population distribution.

In the shade method maps, distribution of elements is shown with the help of shading and
colour-hue or tints. The shade method map is mainly used to show the distribution of population
density.

In the maps of isopleth method, lines are drawn to join places of same value. Maps of isopleth
method are used to show things like rainfall, air-pressure, height/elevation etc.
Also, in this lesson we have learnt information about what is geographical field visit, how the
field should be selected, how to prepare for the field visit, what care should be taken during
actual field visit, how to write report (how to do report-writing) etc.