Data shown on mapsDot maps

Different maps can show geographical data in different ways. Chloropleth maps use shades of colour to show variations in data over wide areas. Isoline maps join places that share a value. Dot maps can show distribution or density. Proportional symbol maps show different values with changing sizes of circles or other symbols.

Part ofGeographyGeography skills

Dot maps

Dot maps show information as individual spots on a map. Each dot might represent more than one of something. Dot maps are often used to show population distribution.

Dot map showing global population density. The key explains that every dot on the map represents one hundred thousand people.
World population distribution

When describing dot maps, you should include:

  • The highest and lowest amounts.
  • A comparison of different areas.
  • Any anomalies i.e. things that you would not expect to see.

Question

World map labelling Greenland, Canada, USA, Mexico, Brazil, Antartica, New Zealand, Australia, India, China and Russia
Political map of the world

Compare the map above to the dot map at the top of the page.

  1. Does India have a higher or lower population density than Canada?
  2. Does Brazil have a high or low population density along its coast?
  3. Does Mexico have a higher or lower population density than New Zealand?

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Proportional symbol maps
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Isoline maps

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