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.