I think this is a good representation of a Choropleth Thematic map. It shows patterns based on collected data (in the form of percentages) of obese adults across the states in 2004. You can easily distinguish between colors, view the title, legend, and description of the map. Also, it displays text stating that data is not available for Hawaii, so it leaves nothing for viewers to question. No north arrow is required because direction is already known. And a scale bar is not required because the data presented doesn't require measurements to be taken.
Example of a Bad Map:
This is an example of a terrible map in my opinion. It was being used by a Lafayette, LA company showing Fiber optics build out within the city. Looking at the viewer you can get the impression that it was quickly built. Possibly in order to meet contractural requirements? Good news is that there is a north arrow and identification in the legend showing what the big pink blob is in the middle of the screen. You cannot read any text unless you zoom into the map using their cheesy magnifying glass. I assume that the airport is in the big blank space under the plane? What? no runways. And what are the multiple colored boxes in the lower right corner of the map? On the bottom right underneath the map there is some text stating "Mapping Subject to Change". Yes, I hope it does for the better!
Very nice job! We will get into color schemes and grayscale choropleth maps later but this is a great example of when everything was done right. Now on to that bottom map....I would guess their CAD person did that because it was stated on the contract they would do one! Not useful in anyway.
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