Star Chart

http://assessment.tki.org.nz/Assessment-tools-resources/Alignment-of-tools-with-National-Standards/Reading/Observation-Survey

A star chart shows data from several variables, usually 3 or more, which all start from the same point. Each spoke of the plot shows one variable. The length of the spoke is proportional to the relation of the data it represents and the other variables that the chart shows. These star charts don't track stars, but are called as such since they take on the appearance of a multi-pointed star at times. This plot shows the results of an observational study concerning a national test in New Zealand.

Similarity Matrix

http://www.nervenet.org/papers/bxn.html

A similarity matrix is a matrix of data created in order to find similarities between points of the data. This similarity matrix was created as part of a scientific study to map the similarities in gene structure of inbred mice.

Stem and Leaf Plot

http://www.studyzone.org/mtestprep/math8/e/stemandleaf6l.cfm

A stem and leaf plot is graph which analyzes changes and distribution of data, similar to a histogram. However, steam and leaf plots rely on the original data and not averages. This stem and leaf plot shows the temperatures in Oswego over a period of time.

Box Plot

http://www.stat.yale.edu/Courses/1997-98/101/boxplot.htm

A box plot groups data into rectangles, which fall into intervals on an x and y axis. The rectangles cover the most common data values. Sometimes these rectangles have lines called "whiskers" which extend from them in the top and bottom. These "whiskers" show data values that are outside of the most common values. This box plot shows the lottery payoffs for 3 different time periods.

Histogram

http://www.math.kent.edu/~honli/teaching/statistics/Chapter2/Excell_Histogram.html

A histogram shows the frequencies of data over an interval. This graph shows the frequency, or the distrusted values, of the height of 25 students.

Parallel Coordinate Graph

http://vis.lbl.gov/Vignettes/Drosophila/

A parallel coordinate graph gives a more 3-D view of analyzed data, which takes on the form of lines against a set of parallel lines which each represent different categories for analyzing the data. This image shows a 3D parallel coordinate graph which represents gene expression per cell. The cells are the colored lines, while the genes form the parallel sections in the background.

Triangle Plot

http://www.sv.vt.edu/classes/MSE2094_NoteBook/96ClassProj/experimental/ternary2.html

A triangle plot is a graph which deals with 3 variables which are proportionally calculated against each other and the scales on the side of the triangle. This triangle plot shows the different element percentages in steel at 900 Celsius.

Wind Rose

http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate/windrose.html

A wind rose is used by meteorologists to follow wind speed and direction for a certain area. A polar coordinate system is used to plot and the spoke of the rose that extends the farthest out shows the most commonly occurring direction. This wind rose shows the wind direction and speed averages for Fresno, CA over a 30-year period.

Climograph

http://pulse.pharmacy.arizona.edu/9th_grade/from_global/earth_science/climate_patterns.html

A climograph graphs out variables of the earth's climate and compares them. Usually these graphs go month-by-month, and the maps usually have 2 parts, which either show highs/lows or compares 2 different data, such as rain vs. temp, per month. This climograph shows the average temperature and rainfall for Moscow, Russia month-by-month.

Population Profile

http://www.ifad.org/operations/regional/pf/aids_1.htm

A population profile is a chart which creates a function comparing population with another variable, such as age. These graphs tend to have a stacked appearance. This particular graph is more complex, as it has both male and female sides, and shows the population of those with aids and without aids in their appropriate gender category.

Scatterplot

http://serc.carleton.edu/mathyouneed/graphing/bestfit.html

A scatterplot uses cartesian coordinates and compares different variables This scatterplot maps the production of 2 gases during a 1915 volcanic eruption.

Index Value Plot

http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/~jrvarma/blog/index.cgi/2009/01/

An index value plot is very similar to a regular line graph, but instead of showing raw data it tracks indexed data. An index is simply the mathematical measure of changes in a variable, such as stocks. This index value plot shows stock changes from 1965-2008 in India.

Bilateral Graph

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/oda/category/environment/pamph/2001/oda.html

A bilateral graph is a graph type map which shows 2 or more variables in any graph format, such as line, bar, etc. This bilateral map shows 5 variables concerning the Japanese economy in a bar graph format. Each bar is sectioned into the 5 categories and summed up into a single total for each fiscal year.

Nominal Area Choropleth Map

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/book/export/html/1553

A nominal area choropleth map shows unranked areal data for a single variable. Often these maps use colors that differentiate heavily from each other. This map shows Hispanic population density in the US, with each color representing a different value.

Unstandardized Choropleth Map

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

An unstandardized choropleth map shows data which has not been areally averaged. Instead, the data is left raw and is categorized along with a color scale.

Standardized Choropleth Map

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/92f0138m/2008003/figures/5200001-eng.htm

A standardized choropleth map shows data which has been areally averaged, such as people per square mile. This map shows the average population of Canada under the age of 14 per Canadian region.

Univariate Choropleth Map

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

A univariate choropleth map is a choropleth map which only shows one variable. Usually these maps rely on an increasing/decreasing value color scale. This map shows one variable--estimated median household incomes for 2008 in the US.

Bivariate Choropleth Map

http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/~jeff/gis/choropleth_maps.html

A bivariate choropleth map is a choropleth map which shows 2 variables by using 2 sets of colors or symbols. The proximity of the 2 variables being analyzed allows for easier comparison.

Unclassed Choropleth Map

http://www.agroatlas.ru/en/content/climatic_maps/S_Temperature/S_Temperature_01/

http://quizlet.com/7774717/the-choropleth-mapping-method-flash-cards/

In an unclassed choropleth map, the maps areas are colored depending on their unique relation to the single variable that has been mapped. As a result, these maps tend to take on a gradational color scheme and are much more vague.

Classed Choropleth Map

http://my.ilstu.edu/~jrcarter/Geo204/Choro/Tom/

http://quizlet.com/7774717/the-choropleth-mapping-method-flash-cards/

A classed choropleth map is a type of choropleth map which uses the same color for all category values which are the same. These maps focus on data and themes more so than geographic information. This particular map categorizes Hispanic rates within the state of Florida.

Range Graded Proportional Circle Map

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/book/export/html/1553

A range graded proportional circle map is the sibling of the continuously variable proportional circle map and likewise is a variant of the proportional circle map. These maps use circles of various sizes to relate categories of data, which are listed in the legend section. Unlike the continuously variable circle maps, these circles are a single color and do not contain any ratio pie charts inside of them.

Continuously Variable Proportional Circle Map

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog486/book/export/html/1796

A continuously variable proportional circle map is a different form of the proportional circle map. In these maps, the circles which show the data categories are proportioned to the amount of whatever information is being shown. Inside these circles are ratio pie charts, which further detail the information shown.

DOQQ Map

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

DOQQ stands for Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangle. It is a map created from an aerial photograph which has had its pixels aligned with lines of longitude and latitude. These maps typically cover very small distances, and a DOQQ is a smaller version of a regular DOQ map as it only covers a quarter of the original DOQ map.

DEM Map

http://www.sciencegl.com/gis_dem/

DEM stands for Digital Elevation Model. It is a digital 3D representation of the surface of the land. These maps can either be raster or vector based images.

DLG Map

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

DLG stands for Digital Line Graph. These are vector images, meaning they are not based on pixels but on mathematically defined lines, which means that the image can be condensed or blown up to whatever size without quality loss. These maps have 9 possible categories of features they can show through layers, including PLSS, BD, TR, HY, HP, NV, SM, MS, and SC.

DRG Map

http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb//pubs/factsheets/fs08801.html

DRG stands for Digital Raster Graphic. The term "raster" means that pixels are used to create the image. It is simply a high resolution scan of a USGS physical topographic map, and each scan is referenced to the datum of the source map and adheres to the Universal Transverse Mercator projection. These maps are heavily used in GIS applications. This is a DRG of the western part of Washington D.C.

Isopleth Map

http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/edu/lessons/figure3.cfm

An isopleth map is essentially a contour map, and is the line which is drawn through all points of equal measurement. There are many types of these contour maps and most are used for geological or weather-related purposes. Often times the sections created by the lines are colored in to create categories and make the information more easily understandable. This map shows average precipitation across the US for 1996.

Isopach Map

http://seeps.geol.ucsb.edu/pages/isopach.html

An isopach map shows the changes in thickness of the land by using lines, which connect points of equal thickness. They are heavily used in geological applications. Often, the sections created by the lines are colored in to better differentiate between different layers or parts. This is an isopach map showing the sediment thickness on a section the ocean floor.

Isohyets

http://www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/pastwx/mws201206.htm

Isohyet maps are maps which feature Isohyet lines, which connect points of equal rainfall over a defined time period. Isohyet maps are typically accompanied by colored regions, which help to clarify the different sections of average rainfall totals. This map shows the average rainfall for Hong Kong during the month of June 2012.

Isotachs

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/btv/events/28Oct2008/ua2.php

Isotach maps are maps which feature Isotach lines, which are lines connecting points of wind speed which are the same value. These lines are found in weather maps. As with most other weather maps, detail of the land is usually simplified so that the viewer can clearly see the isotach lines. Usually isotach lines are accompanied by arrows showing the direction of the wind and sometimes colors areas.

Isobars

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

Isobars are lines connecting points of equal value in a map. They are often found in weather maps and generally used for displaying pressure variables and changes. In maps using isobars, there usually is not a great deal of detail in the mapping of the land, so that the viewer can clearly see the isobar lines.

LIDAR

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

LIDAR is a high tech sensor which sends lasers out and receives the reflections in order to create a map of an area. It can be used to map lands or even cluttered cities. This is a LIDAR image of Ground Zero just after September 11, 2001.

Doppler Radar Map

http://radar.weather.gov/ridge/Conus/southplains.php

Doppler radar maps are creating by radars which send out signals, which is then reflected back and analyzed by a computer system. This is heavily used in weather to track storm systems. Most doppler maps use a scale of colors which corresponds to the height and thickness of clouds, which includes snow, ice, and rain. The differing levels of colors represent the severity of conditions.

Infrared Aerial Photo Map

http://californiamapsociety.org/mapping/remote.php

Infrared Aerial Photo Maps use infrared photography in order to create greater distinction between different types of objects. It's very useful in mapping cities and forests. Infrared is used in combination with sensors to create more highly detailed and accurate topographic maps. This infrared map shows the Sacramento River Delta.

Cartographic Animation

http://www.atmos.ucla.edu/~fovell/index_OLDSITE.html

Cartographic Animation are a newer form of mapping in which various phenomena are visualized in animated format to actively show changes, movements, and patterns. These maps are highly used in weather applications and earth studies to track things such as hurricanes and tsunamis. This animation shows the movement of the eye of a hurricane over the coast of North Carolina.

Flow Map

http://visual.ly/visualizing-uschina-trade-relationship-across-globe

A flow map intends to show the movement from one location to another. This does not have to be only physical movement, but can also be the exchange of "non-physical" things such as ideas. This map shows the flow of particular areas' exports in contrast with each other.

Statistical Map

http://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-53617/A-layer-tint-map-shows-the-average-yearly-precipitation-in

A statistical map covers a large category of maps and presents statistical information in a highly simplified manner in order to show variations over distance. The 3 main types of statistical maps are choropleth, proportional symbol, and dot maps. This is a simple statistical map (choropleth) showing average yearly precipitation in Japan.

Cartogram

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mejn/election/2008/

A cartogram is a type of thematic map. These maps don't intend to show accurate spacial relationships or land mass, but instead aim to distort areas in order to show the proportions of whatever theme the cartogram is covering. This particular cartogram shows the county-level election results of the US in 2008 in terms of Republicans and Democrats, and skews the shape of the US as needed.

Isoline Map

http://regentsprep.org/regents/core/questions/questions.cfm?Course=ESCI&TopicCode=07

An Isoline Map is connects points of equal value and creates lines. These lines then create seperate sections which are then sometimes colored in to make differences more obvious. These maps are often used in weather applications. This particular map shows the levels of rainfall in Virginia.

Proportional Circle Map

http://www.neiu.edu/~tpastaj/391/Assignment%20%232/Assignment_%232.html

Proportional Circle Maps use ratios of circle size to the size of the variable are a type of statistical map. These ratios are often expressed in the accompanying legend. In this map, the circles represent number of Chicago families per district, with smaller circles relating to smaller families and vice versa.

Choropleth Map

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/book/export/html/1553

A choropleth map is a type of statistical thematic map which focuses on a specific subject, such as population, and uses different colors or patterns in order to reference specific categories of a specific theme. Usually the colors follow progressions, such as light to dark, in order to map quantitative data. For qualitative data, completely different colors may be utilized in order to highlight the distinctions. This particular map uses a light-to-dark color scheme in order to show Hispanic population densities in the US.

Dot Distribution Map

http://udel.edu/~patronea/frec480/proj1/

A dot distribution map is a statistical map which uses dots in order to show the general locations and occurrence rates of particular data, such as crime or pollution. One of the most famous examples of dot distribution mapping is John Snow's map of cholera cases in the London epidemic of 1854. These maps can help users see patterns in events or to help pinpoint a cause of something, such as the cholera epidemic. This dot density map was created as part of a project which maps the US population of 2000, with each dot representing 10,000 people.

Propaganda Map

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

Propaganda maps include any kind of map which has been created with a bias in order to further a particular political, social, or economic goal, usually supported by a government, organization, or company. These maps usually distort the actual layout of the land in order to make the viewer feel a particular feeling, whether it be nationalism or fear. This map was created in 1952 by R.M. Chapin and published in Time Magazine. It skews the perspective and layout of Europe and shows the Communist USSR as a large dominating threat that looks as if it could very easily swallow up the neighboring European countries.

Hypsometric Map

http://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/0312/making-a-big-splash-in-transboundary-water-resources-management.html

A hypsometric map shows the elevation of terrain through the use of changing colors. These kind of maps fall under the category of topographic maps. Each category of elevation is shown by a particular color. These maps also feature contour lines and sometimes shading. This map shows the elevation changes in the areas of Poland and Slovakia.

PLSS Map

http://www.co.scott.mn.us/RoadsTransport/Roads/Pages/orig_notes.aspx

This PLSS map focuses on Scott County in Minnesota. The PLSS is a system used in the U.S. and covers most states except Texas and the 13 colonies. The system uses rectangles and is based off of an old Roman system of land division.  A township--one 6 square mile rectangle-- is divided into 36 one-square mile sections, and these sections can be divided into even smaller portions. Usually there are markers at each township corner. This particular PLSS has been advanced on its original page and viewers can click on sections and see PDF files of the original PLSS notations. 

Cadastral Map

http://www.nrm.qld.gov.au/property/mapping/dcdata/

This is a cadastral map. Cadastral maps are records of land values and separations. These maps are highly simplified and show only the divisions of land, which is categorized based on color. They can also include precise gps coordinates if needed.  

Thematic Map

http://soils.usda.gov/use/thematic/moist_regimes.html

This is a thematic map. Thematic maps show highly simplified land masses in order to focus on specific subjects, such as crime rates, pollution levels, populations, or in this map's case, types of soil in the U.S. Thematic maps rely on colors or symbols and a legend matching the colors/symbols to specific categories. This map has 9 different categories. Despite the land being heavily simplified, the state and county borders are maintained, since it's important to provide a basis which the viewer can work from as they analyze the map. 

Planimetric Map

http://www.infoplease.com/atlas/state/westvirginia.html

This is a planimetric map. Such maps aim to provide a simpler view of points of interest on the earth's surface, such as primary roads. They can be divided into several layers, the bottom layer being the land itself, and the following layers being whatever information (roads, tourist spots, natural landmarks, etc) is desired. Planimetric maps are completely 2D and lack any information about land altitude changes. This particular map shows the major roads around and inside West Virginia, along with primary and secondary cities and state borders. 

Topographic Map

http://cluster3.lib.berkeley.edu/EART/tour/topo.html

This is an example of a topographic map. This particular map is a Swedish map created between 1957 and 1979. The main characteristic of topographic maps is that they focus on showing high detail and changes in elevation. This map shows changes in elevation by using contour lines and shading. While this map focuses on sharing the physical layout of the land, some topographic maps are used to show cultural changes through shading and contour lines as well. 

Mental Map

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/mind-maps/

This is a mental map. A mental map is a map which lays out a specific subject from a person's own point of view. By nature a mental map is very subjective and there are a whole host of possible influences on a person's mental map, such as mass media. This particular mental map frames different ways of increasing a person's learning experiences and interrelates them. Like most mental maps, it's difficult at times to navigate and takes on an abstract, floaty form.