Essential Graphical Techniques in Geography

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Concept, Types, Collection, Classification and Representation of Geographical Data

   Swapan Kumar Maity

   Abstract

   Geography is a scientific discipline which emphasizes on the collection, processing, suitable representation and logical and scientific interpretation of various types of primary and secondary data for better understanding and explanation of the spatial distributions and variations of different geographical features and phenomena on or near the surface of the earth. This chapter focuses on the concept and types of data used in geographical analysis, sources of each type of data, methods of their collection as well as the advantages and disadvantages of their use. Major differences between various types of data are discussed clearly with suitable examples. It includes the detailed discussion of the concept of attribute and variable, types of variables and differences between them. Different types of measurement scales used in geographical analysis, their characteristics and application in geographical study have been explained with numerous examples. Techniques of classification, tabulation and processing of the collected data on different basis (i.e. based on location, time etc.) are discussed properly with special emphasis on the preparation of frequency distribution table and related terminologies. Methods of representation of all types of geographical data, their appropriateness and advantages and disadvantages have been explained with suitable examples.

3. Chapter 2. Representation of Geographical Data Using Graphs

   Swapan Kumar Maity

   Abstract

   Suitable, accurate and lucid presentation and visualization of geographical data using various types of graphs become helpful for their correct analysis, explanation and realization for proper understanding of the real world. It is very simple, attractive and easily recognizable not only to the geographers or efficient academicians but also to the common literate people. This chapter includes a detailed classification of all types of graphs and the discussion of various types of co-ordinate systems with illustrations as an essential basis of the construction of graphs. Different types of bi-axial (arithmetic and logarithmic graph, climograph etc.), tri-axial (ternary graph), multi-axial (spider graph, polar graph etc.) and special graphs (water budget graph, hydrograph, rating curve, Lorenz curve, rank-size graph, hypsometric curve etc.) have been discussed with suitable examples in terms of their suitable data structure, necessary numerical calculations, methods of construction, appropriate illustrations, and advantages and disadvantages of their use. Systematic and step-by-step discussion of methods of their construction helps the readers for easy and quick understanding of the graphs. The difference between arithmetic and logarithmic graphs is explained precisely with proper examples and illustrations. Different types of frequency distribution graphs have been explained with suitable data, necessary mathematical and statistical computations, and proper illustrations. All types of graphs represent a perfect co-relation between the theoretical knowledge of various geographical events and phenomena and their realistic implications with suitable examples.

4. Chapter 3. Diagrammatic Representation of Geographical Data

   Swapan Kumar Maity

   Abstract

   Diagrammatic representation and visualization of geographical data is very simple, attractive and easy to understand and explain to the geographers as well as to the common literate people. It helps to explore the nature of data, the pattern of their spatial and temporal variations and understanding their relationships to accurately recognize and analyse features on or near the earth’s surface. This chapter focuses on the detailed discussion of various types of diagrams classified on a different basis. All types of one-dimensional (bar, pyramid etc.), two-dimensional (circular, triangular, square etc.), three-dimensional (cube, sphere etc.) and other diagrams (pictograms and kite diagram) have been discussed with suitable examples in terms of their appropriate data structure, necessary numerical (geometrical) calculations, methods of construction, appropriate illustrations, and advantages and disadvantages of their use. It includes all the fundamental geometric principles and derivation of formulae used for the construction of these diagrams. A step-by-step and logical explanation of their construction methods becomes helpful for the readers for an easy and quick understanding of the essence of the diagrams. Each diagram represents a perfect co-relation between the theoretical knowledge of various geographical events and phenomena and their proper practical application with suitable examples.

5. Chapter 4. Mapping Techniques of Geographical Data

   Swapan Kumar Maity

   Abstract

   Map is the simplified depiction of the geographical data about the whole earth or a part of it on a piece of plane surface or paper for better understanding of their cartographic characteristics. Maps are the basic tools for geographers and researchers for the visualization of geographic data and understanding their spatial relationships. This chapter explains the basic cartographic terminologies such as Geodesy, Geoid, Spheroid, Datum, Geographic co-ordinate system, Surveying and levelling, Traversing, Bearing, Magnetic declination, Magnetic inclination etc. in a lucid manner with suitable illustrations. It includes the detailed classification and discussion of all types of maps based on their scale and purposes (contents) of preparing the map with special emphasis on Indian Topographical Sheets. All pictorial and mathematical methods of representation of relief have been explained in detail with suitable examples and illustrations. Various types of distributional thematic maps have been analyzed with suitable examples emphasizing their suitable data structure, necessary numerical calculations, methods and principles of their construction, proper illustrations and advantages and disadvantages of their use. Step-by-step and systematic discussion of the methods of construction of maps makes them easy and quickly understandable to the readers and users. Emphasis has also been given on the detailed discussion of techniques of measurement of direction, distance and area on maps.

6. Backmatter