Data shown on mapsProportional symbol 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

Proportional symbol maps

Proportional symbols can be added to a map to show differences between places. The same symbol appears larger or smaller, depending on how something changes.

Proportional symbol map showing the UK's wind energy generation. Each dot on the map represents wind farms in an area. Its size represents the number of wind farms in relation to all other dots.
Proportional symbols showing wind farm distribution

When describing a proportional symbol map, you should include:

  • The highest and lowest amounts (at a location) shown by the largest and smallest circles.
  • A comparison of the circles in different areas by noting differences between them.
  • Any visible patterns

Question

UK map labelling Glasgow, Belfast, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Plymouth, London, Leeds, York, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen
UK cities

Compare the map above to the proportional symbol map at the top of the page.

  1. Which city is closest to the highest energy output of 201-350 MW?
  2. Which country has the highest number of wind farms?
  3. What are the output values of the wind farms found in the Irish Sea (North of Wales and West of northern England)?

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Dot maps

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