Distributional Maps — Important Questions

Population distribution, Distribution of cattle, Forest cover

Dot method is suitable for variables that can be counted and are freely scattered across the region. Temperature and altitude are continuous variables better shown by isopleth method.

Continuous

Isopleth method is used when the distribution of a variable is continuous, like temperature, rainfall, or altitude that change gradually across space.

Temperature, Rainfall, Altitude

Temperature, rainfall, and altitude are continuous variables that change gradually. Population count and number of schools are discrete variables counted in specific units.

Steep change in the variable

When isopleth lines are closer to each other, it indicates steep change in the variable. When lines are farther apart, the change is gentle.