Data and Statistical Diagrams GEOGRAPHY

Practical Manual

DATA AND STATISTICAL DIAGRAMS Notes

In our daily life we come across different types of information through newspaper, television,
computers and conversation. Some of this information is quantitative and others are qualitative,
which can not be measured numerically. Statistics is concerned mainly with information that is
quantitative or measured numerically. In this lesson we will study about statistical data and
their representation through various types of diagrams and maps.

OUTCOMES

After studying this lesson, learner:

 explains the types of data and calculate mean, median, mode and percentile

 constructs simple line, bar, pie diagrams with suitable data

 represents the statistical data with cartographic techniques- dot and choropleth

 explains the suitability, merits and demerits of diagrams and cartographic techniques.

3.1 STATISTICAL DATA : PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION

Let us take a poor man from the United States of America (USA) and a rich man from India.
If the income of the Indian is higher than the income of the poor man of the USA, can we say
that India is richer than the USA? Certainly not. Why? Because comparison is between two
specific persons from the USA and India, which does not represent their countries so far as
their individual income is concerned. For any such comparison we have to see the income of
larger population in the USA as well as in India. For this we will have to collect information
about the annual income of individuals, agricultural production, industrial production,
unemployment rates, total population of different areas etc. All such information will be numerical
and will relate to a large number of individuals or areas. Numerical information related to the

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measurement of groups or masses is termed as data, (singular is datum). When information is
related to an individual or event, it is not data.

In geography, statistical data play a very important role. The data gives us numerical information
about geographical facts such as temperature, rainfall, agriculture/ industrial production,
population, etc. We arrange them, analyse them, draw valid conclusions from them.
Notes
Source of Data

There are two sources from where data can be obtained. They are:

1. Primary source and

2. Secondary source

1. Primary source: If the data obtained through field investigation is called primary data.
It is a lengthy process requiring a lot of time, money and manpower.

2. Secondary source: If the data are the published in the form of reports and tables
prepared by various public agencies for general use is called secondary data. For the
user the data from secondary sources are thus less expensive, time saving and do not
require large manpower for their collection. Secondary data, however, is very general.
Census of India is one of the best sources of secondary data.

3.2 PRESENTATION OF STATISTICAL DATA

The data collected through various sources needs to be processed statistically for precise
explanations. Very often it becomes necessary to obtain a single representative value for the
whole data set. The statistical measures that enable us to work out a single representative
figure for the entire data distribution, is known as central tendency. Measures of central tendency
help us to compare different distributions besides being representative for each distribution.
These measures normally denote the central points of values, distance and occurrence in a
distribution. The commonly used measures of central tendency are:

i. Arithmetic mean or average

ii. Median

iii. Mode

iv. Percentile

i. Arithmetic Mean

It is most frequently used and is calculated by adding the sum of all individual values in
a distribution and dividing the sum by the total number of individuals. For example, the

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production of rice per acre in five districts is 10, 8, 12,9 and 6 quintals. The average
production of rice for these districts is :
10  8  12  9  6 45
  9 quintals per acre
5 5
The arithmetic mean is expressed in the form of equation noted below:
X Notes
X ...(i)
N
Where X is the mean value,
X = The total of X values
N= Number of individuals/observations.

The arithmetic mean can be easily worked for small ungrouped data. However, when
the number of observations are large and data is in the form of frequency distribution of
groups, arithmetic mean will be worked out with the help of following equation.
fm
X ...(ii)
f
Where X is the arithmetic mean,
f is the frequency,
m is the mid value of the classes

Example

Calculate the arithmetic mean from the temperature (in degree celsius) data given in the following
table.

Table 3.1

Temperature No. of days Mid

Classes values
x f m fm

1-05 20 3 60

06-10 24 8 192

11-15 44 13 572

16-20 72 18 1296

21-25 76 23 1748

26-30 60 28 1680

31-35 52 33 1716

36-40 4 38 152

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41-45 8 43 344
 f = 360  fm=7760
days

From the above

Notes fm  7760
f  360
7760
X  21.56C temperature
360
Merits of the Arithmetic Mean

1. It is easy to understand the complete idea of the distribution and simple to workout.

2. It is the average of the values in a distribution. Hence, it has a balancing property in case
of sample surveys. Therefore, the mean is the centre of gravity.

3. It is widely used in case of normal distributions.

The arithmetic mean has certain limitations. It is affected by the extreme values especially
when they are large. For example, income variations are very wide in case of Indian population.

ii. Median

Median is the middle most positional average. It is worked out by arranging data in an
ascending or descending order. For example, the value of the median is worked out by
adding 1 to the number of observation and the sum divided by two. It is expressed as:
N 1
Med  ...(iii)
2
For example if we are interested in working out the median latitude and longitude for the
country, we must arrange these distributions in a tabular form.

Latitudinal Extent of the Mainland of India (8’4’ N to 37’ 6’ N)

Table 3.2

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

The median or middle most latitude of India is 23°N which is close to the Tropic of cancer
(23° 30' N). Since mainland of India starts from 8° 4’ N which is a part of 9th latitude and
extends up to 37° 6' N which covers the 37° latitude completely, hence the latitudinal coverage

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of India is approximately 29° latitudes. The median latitude is therefore, 23°N i.e.
N  1 29  1 30
Med     15°+8   23  N
2 2 2
8° (Southern tip of India)+ 15° (median value)=23° (middle east latitude of India). Similarly,
we can also workout the median value for the longitudinal extent of India. The Longitudinal
Extent of India ranges between = 68°7' E to 97°25'E. Notes

The median or middle most longitude for the country is 83°E.

Table 3.3

68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77

78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87

88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97

Longitudes are used to calculate local time, standard time of a nation and international time,
which is linked to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Indian Standard Time is calculated keeping
82°30´E longitude as the base. The median longitude for the country is 83°E which is close to
the standard meridian used for Indian Standard Time calculation.
N  1 29  1 30
M ed     15°+68   83 
2 2 2
Merits of Median

1. Being the middle most value, median remains unaffected by the extreme values in the
distribution as in the case of arithmetic mean.

2. It is a partition value which divides the series into two nearly equal parts and remains
the centre of gravity.

3. However, it cannot be worked out without putting data in an ascending or descending

order. If data are large, it might be a time consuming and tedious job. The values of
median will be erratic if one or two items are added or subtracted from the series.

iii. Mode

It is one of the important measures of central tendency. The maximum concentration of

items occurring in a distribution is known as mode. The value which occurs most
frequently is identified as mode in case of ungrouped data. Similarly, for grouped data
the mode can be calculated by identifying the class with the highest frequency. The
mode denotes the centrality of the occurrence of an item in the distribution. The
distribution of rural settlements in Uttar Pradesh is given below. Workout the mode for
the data.

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Table 3.4

Distribution of Rural settlements in Uttar Pradesh (2001)

Size of Very small Small Medium Large VeryLarge

Rural (Below 500 (500-999) (1000-1999) (2000-4999) (5000 and
Notes Settlements Population) above)

Proportion of 16.70 23.45 47.96 10.60 1.29

distribution

Solution: Arrange the data in a sequence (either from small to large or from large to small).
Put up the frequency values against each. Now compare the frequencies. The distribution
registering maximum frequency in medium size of rural settlement (1000-1999) 47.96 is
identified as ‘mode’.

Merits of the Mode

1. It is the most typical value of a series. Mode can be located easily by the inspection and
can be used by common people also.

2. The occurrence of a few extreme values does not affect the mode, since it is the most
typical value of series.

It is, however, not a significant measure of central tendency unless the number of observations
is large. Both in case of uniform as well as skewed distributions, mode ceases to be a measure
of central tendency.

iv. Percentiles

Percentile is a measure which divides a series into 100 equal parts. It helps to understand
various classes or categories that constitute a distribution. It is expressed as:
P N
P ... (iv)
100
Where P is the percentile and N is the number of observations.

There are 99 percentiles, P1 P2 …………….P99

Table 3.5

Distribution of Monthly Income Among Households of a locality

Income group (Rs.) Actual Number Percentage Distribution

Economically weaker sections 112 56.0

(Below Rs.500)

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Lower Income Group (500-999) 41 20.5

Middle Income Group (1000-4999) 29 14.5

High Income Group (5000 and above) 18 9.0

Total 200 100.00 Notes

Table 3.6

Distribution of Per Capita Monthly Income of the Households of a locality

Income group (Rs.) No. of Cumulative

Frequency Households Frequency

Below 500 112 112

500-999 41 153

1000-4999 29 182

5000 and above 18 200

Total 200

Let us calculate 60th percentile as P60.

Now P60= 60  200  100  120

The income lies in the group 500–999.

3.3 REPRESENTATION OF STATISTICAL DATA THROUGH DIAGRAMS

The data collected either through primary source or through secondary source, are raw and
unorganized form. They do not give a clear picture because some values are very large, some
are low and some are in between low and high. These are all scattered values lying here and
there. The data becomes clear once they are organized and put in to some systematic tabular
form. Statistical tables are very handy and represent the data in a systematic and manageable
form. A direct-mental comparison of such values is also possible if these are represented
through diagrams.

WHY DO WE REPRESENT DATA THROUGH DIAGRAM

The below mentioned points reveals the advantages of diagrams over the raw data. The
advantages are as followes:

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i. The diagram creates greater interest in the subject matter which has been represented
by it.

ii. It clarifies and simplifies the subject matter.

iii. They help in making quick and accurate comparison of data.

Notes iv. They bring out hidden facts and relationship and can stimulate analytical thinking.

v. It is more illustrative and attractive than the statistical information

Following are important diagrams/maps through which various types of statistical data can be
represented:

i. Line graph

ii. Bar diagram

iii. Pie diagram

iv. Star diagram

I. LINE GRAPH

There are certain variables whose values fluctuate with time, like temperature of an
area or rainfall etc. There are some other variables which increase or decrease with
time like population, agricultural and industrial production and prices of various
commodities. The data for all such variables are collected and tabulated with reference
to time. If we plot such data on a graph paper in such a way that time is plotted on x-
axis and values of the variables are plotted on y-axis and join the points by straight lines
what we get is known as a line graph.

Example

Average monthly maximum temperature of a place ‘A’ is given below for 12 months. Plot the
data by a line graph.

Table 3.7

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July August Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temp.0C 24.5 26.6 32.2 38.1 42.5 44.3 40.4 33.4 30.2 29.7 29.2 25.0

In order to plot the given data, the most suitable diagram would be a line graph since the
values of the temperature are given against months. Plot months on the x-axis and temperature
on the y-axis. Keeping the temperature of various month, plot 12 points. If we join these
points by straight lines as given in figure 3.1 we get the required line graph.

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We observe from the table that the monthly average of maximum temperature is least in the
month of January and it rises marginally in February. In March and April it increases rapidly
and reaches maximum of 44.3°C in June. It remains quite hot in July also. From August
onward the temperature starts declining again.

This conclusion, about the temporal variations or changes in temperature does not require any
elaborate description in the presence of the line graph. Anybody looking at the linegraph given Notes
in figure 3.1 can quickly make out the picture of this cyclic variations in the temperature of the
area.

Fig. 3.1 Line Graph

Rules for making line-graph

1. Time which is an independent variable is plotted on x-axis and temperature, rainfall,

production or any other variable which is varying over time is plotted on y-axis.

2. All such points obtained by plotting the values on x-axis and y-axis should be jointed
with the help of straight lines.

3. Since units of both x-axis and y-axis are different, separate scales should be chosen for
these. For x-axis, the time unit-could be hours, days, months, years or any other unit of
time. For y-axis the unit-could be °c, cm, tonnes or any other unit.

4. Normally vertical scale should start with zero so that the absolute magnitude of the
values are represented. However, if most of the variations start after some fixed value,
that value may start from origin of y-axis, for example take the values 12050,
12020,12180,12200,12140, 12040, 1212 etc. As among these values variations are

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found after 12000, we can take 12000 as the starting value on the y-axis.

5. In a line graph time variable in most of the cases, is at fixed intervals. It could be hours,
days, months or years etc. Although this rule is not a necessary condition but is generally
observed for the sake of clarity.

Notes Characteristics of a line graph

1. It shows the past as well as the present trends in the variations of a phenomenon.

2. With the help of it the intermediate values can be estimated (interpolated) as well as
future values can also be predicted (extrapolated).

3. In comparison to mathematical relationship between time and the values of a variable,

the relationship shown through line graph is only approximate.

4. It occupies more space as compared to a mathematical relationship.

Compound line graph

Some times more than one variable can also be plotted on a line graph to compare their
relative changes. For example, we can plot export and import figures on one graph for several
years. It will give the changes in export in relation to imports. The difference between the two,
will also give trade deficit. Similarly we can plot birth rates and death rates of a country for
several years. The difference between the two in this case will give natural growth rate of the
population. We may also plot the production of various agricultural crops to see as to which
crop is maintaining upward trend and which is going downward. We can also plot the monthly
maximum and minimum temperature on the same graph. Difference between the two will give
monthly range of temperature.

Example

Line graph showing temporal variations in more than one variable is known as compound line
graph.

The estimated Crude Birth Rate (CBR) and Crude Death Rate (CDR) of India are given
below for the following years. Plot the data on a line graph.

Table 3.8

Year 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991

CBR (per 1000) 49 47 45 43 44 42 37 30

CDR (per 1000) 49 37 33 31 26 20 15 10

The data is plotted on the graph given in figure 3.2. There are two types of lines representing

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two different types of population data as indicated in the table. The compound line graph of
crude birth rates and crude death rates shows a decline in both during 1921-1991. However,
the graph shows a steep fall in crude death rate in relation to crude birth rate. This increasing
gap is also highlighted on the graph by the shaded area between CBR and CDR.

Notes

Fig. 3.2 Compound Line Graph

ii. BAR DIAGRAM

Some times the values of a variable are given for areas, commodities or for anything
other than time. In such cases these values are represented by bar diagram instead of a
line graph.

How to construct a Bar Diagram

1. First of all, constant (or independent variable) data (here major parts) are shown on the
‘x’ axis and variable data (here tonnage) on the ‘y’ axis. The bars are drawn vertically.

Three scales are assumed:

i. Scale for width of the bars: The width of all the bars must be equal.

ii. Scale for interval between two bars: The interval should be less than the width of
the bars.

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iii. Scale for variable data : It is to be shown on ‘y’ axis. It should be in round figures.
The principle of selecting scales is the same as in case of line graph.

2. Now length of the bars are calculated as per the scale and the data.

3. Then points are marked and bars are drawn.

Notes 4. Labelling of the diagram is done in the same manner as is done in the line graph.

Example

Population of the major states in India is given below for 2011. Represent the graphical data
using the bar diagram.

Table 3.9

Sl.No. State Populattion (in %)

1. Andhra Pradesh 6.99

2. Assam 2.29

3. Bihar 8.60

4. Gujarat 3.47

5. Haryana 1.39

6. Karnataka 4.99

7. Kerala 2.72

8. Madhya Pradesh 6.00

9. Maharashtra 9.28

10. Orissa 2.76

11. Punjab 2.11

12. Rajasthan 5.05

13. Tamil Nadu 5.96

14. Uttar Pradesh 16.50

15. West Bengal 4.54

Source: Census of India 2011

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The above data is plotted on a graph paper by bar diagram as shown in (fig. 3.3). You will
note that the states are plotted on x-axis in the order these are given in the table. Equal
distance from one state to another state has no meaning here. It is only a nominal distance we
have taken to separate anyone state from any other state. On the y-axis, however, the height
of the bars in the case of each state is in proportion to their population and it has a scale (half
centimeter is equal to 10 million population). Notes
Some time the states can be rearranged on the basis of ascending or descending order of the
population size as per the convenience.

The bar diagrams discussed above are known as vertical bar-diagrams since the bars are
shown vertically. We can show these bars as horizontal bars also. In that case it will be known
as horizontal bar diagram. In horizontal bar diagram vertical scale i.e. y-axis, will be nominal
and horizontal scale i.e. x-axis will be a numerical scale.

Fig. 3.3 Bar Diagram

Compound Bar Diagram

Quite often the variable being shown by the bars may consist of few different categories.
These categories can also be shown on the bar itself. Such a bar diagram shows the magnitude
of different values as well as share of its different categories and is known as compound bar
diagram. It is also known as stacked bar diagram. In a compound bar diagram alongwith the
magnitude bars also show the share of different categories of the variable which is shown by
the bars.

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Example

The population of the major states of India is given below with rural and urban breakup. Plot
the data on a compound bar diagram showing rural and urban break up of each state.

Table 3.10 Population (in million)

Notes Sl.No. State Rural Urban Total

1. Andhra Pradesh 48.6 17.9 66.5

2. Assam 19.9 2.5 22.4

3. Bihar 75.0 11.4 86.4

4. Gujarat 27.1 14.2 41.3

5. Haryana 12.4 4.1 16.5

6. Himachal Pradesh 4.7 0.5 5.2

7. Jammu & Kashmir 5.9 1.9 7.7

8. Karnataka 31.1 13.9 45.0

9. Kerala 21.4 7.7 29.1

10. Madhya Pradesh 50.8 15.4 66.2

11. Maharashtra 48.4 30.5 78.9

12. Orissa 27.4 4.3 31.7

13. Punjab 14.3 6.0 20.3

14. Rajasthan 34.0 10.0 44.0

15. Tamil Nadu 36.8 19.1 55.9

16. Uttar Pradesh 111.5 27.6 139.1

17. West Bengal 49.4 18.7 68.1

Source: Census of India 1991

Construction of compound bar diagram is not very much different from the ordinary bar
diagram. In the final form the bars are divided into their categories using the same scale. These

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categories are indicated in the index, The above data is plotted by a bar diagram and is shown
in fig. 3.4.

In the present case only two categories are there. In some other cases there may be several
categories. In such cases each bar will be subdivided into several categories. All these categories,
however, will have to be shown in an index.
Notes
In some cases the differences in absolute values may not be as important as their proportional
distribution in different categories. In such cases the categories are converted into percentages
such that these percentages add to 100. Each unit in this case therefore is represented by bar
of equal size symbolising total of all the percentages as 100. Percentages of different sub
categories are then shown on each bar by different sheds or colours.

Fig. 3.4 Compound Bar Diagram

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Multiple Bar diagram

Many a times it is more useful to plot sub-categories of a variable side by side. In these cases
the bar of one category is placed alongwith the bars of other categories for each area. Each
category is shown by a separate shade and is given in the index. The advantage of multiple bar
diagram over compound bar diagram is that in this case camparision is direct. In compound
Notes bar diagram the categories are placed one over the other, whereas in multiple bar diagram
these are placed side by side making comparison more direct and quicker. When there are
many categories and less observations/units, multiple bar diagram is more appropriate. On
the other hand, there are more observations/units and lesser categories, a compound bar
diagram is always better.

Example

Electricity sold for different purposes in four states of India is given below for 1994-1995.
Plot the data on multiple bar diagram and compare its use for different purposes.

Table 3.11

Electricity used (in crores kw/h) for different purposes in selected states

Sl. State Domestic Commercial Industrial Other Total

No. Purposes Purposes Purposes

1. Andhra Pradesh 332.0 68.3 754.9 1208.6 2363.8

2. Bihar 73.6 42.2 637.0 219.0 971.8

3. Maharashtra 685.3 256.5 1665.1 1481.9 4088.9

4. Uttar Pradesh 613.3 190.5 482.7 1566.2 2552.4

Source: Statistical Abstract of India 1997

Multiple bar diagram is shown in figure 3.5 there are four categories of uses of electricity there
are four bars for each state-one bar for each category. The heights of these bars are proportional
to their magnitude of the electricity used (in crores kw/h.)

The multiple bar-diagram given in fig 3.5 very clearly shows that in Maharashtra, Andhra
Pradesh and Bihar consumption of electricity for industrial purpose is quite high and in Uttar
Pradesh it is very low. The diagram also shows that consumption of electricity for domestic
and commercial purpose is strikingly low, in all the four states of India.

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Notes

Fig. 3.5 Multiple Bar Diagram

Characteristics of a Bar Diagram

1. Bars give a visual comparison which is more effective than the quantitative comparison.

2. Multiple classifications are easily compared by a bar diagram, compound or a multiple

bar diagram.

3. It can be shown on maps also.

4. It is easy to prepare and understand

5. For minor differences bar diagram or any other graph is not suitable because these are
less accurate than numerical values.

6. It occupies more space.

iii. PIE DIAGRAM

In a multiple bar diagram we compare categories of a variable for different areas.

However, when number of categories increase further and number of observations are
only a few, pie diagram is found to be more handy to represent these categories than
the bar diagram. In a pie diagram each category is represented by different segments of
a circle. The proportional share of each category is reflected in the area of the segment
as well in the angle it makes at the centre.

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In the construction of pie diagram one has to find out the angle of each category of the
diagram. These angles are then drawn at the centre of a circle of suitable size. It will be
observed that the proportional share of each category will be reflected in the area of the
corresponding segment as well as in the angle.

The angle of each category is worked out by taking the ratio of the component value
Notes (C) to the total value (T) and multiplying it by 360 i.e. (CT)x360. In case component
values are given in percentages, each percentage is multiplied by 3.60 to convert it into
corresponding angles. Sum of all such angles has to be 3600. Before making any pie
diagram one should always verify this fact.

Example

Land use categories of India are given below for 1950 and 1992. Show the shift in the land
use graphically with the help of a pie diagram.

Table 3.12

Land under different uses in India (in million hectare)

Year Forrest Non- Barren Pastures Groves Culturable Fallow Net Sown Total
Ag. use Waste Area

1950 40.5 9.4 38.1 6.7 19.8 22.9 28.1 118.8 284.3

1992 68.1 21.9 19.4 11.3 3.7 14.7 23.6 142.5 305.2

Source: Statistical Abstract of India 1997.

The land use categories given above are converted into the angles using the method given
earlier.

Year Forrest Non- Barren Pastures Groves Culturable Fallow Net Sown Total
Ag. use Waste Area

1950 51.3 11.9 48.2 8.5 25.1 29.0 35.6 150.4 360

1992 80.3 25.8 22.9 13.3 4.4 17.3 27.8 168.2 360

To explain the calculation of angles let us take area under cultivable waste in 1950 which is
22.9. Its corresponding angle would be 22.9/284.3 x 360 = 28.9975° which after rounding
upto one decimal place is 29.0. Similarly the angle of the same cultivable waste in 1992 will be
14.7/305.2 x 360 = 17.3394° which after rounding up to one decimal place would be 17.3
only. Note that as has been mentioned in demerits of a bar diagram, all graphical methods are
less accurate than numerical methods. Rounding, therefore, upto only one or two decimal
places is sufficient. Minute differences can not be depicted on the graph effectively.

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The proportional composition of land use categories given in angles are shown below in
fig. 3.6

A close look of fig 3.6 will not only show proportional composition of various land use
categories but also show a change that has taken place between 1950 and 1992. Pie diagram
very clearly shows that forest cover has increased quite substantially between 1950-92. Also
it shows a significant increase in net area sown. The diagram on the other hand shows a Notes
decline in fallow land, culturable waste, barren land and area under groves.

If we show the categories of two different areas such that one is very high and the other is low,
in absolute term the size of the circle of the pie diagram can be taken in proportion to the total
size. For example if we show the land utilisation of two states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana,
the size of the circle for these states may be in proportion to their area. Rest of the procedure
will remain the same. One of the pie diagrams will be larger and the other will be smaller in
size. Internal division of the circle, however, will show relative position of land use in two states.

Characteristics of Pie Diagram

1. It highlights the proportional composition of a phenomenon in a better way since it uses

two dimensional space, unlike bar diagram which uses only heights, length for
differentiating the values.

2. When there are large number of components in compound or multiple bar diagram it
becomes very difficult to show them. The pie diagram is more convenience way of
handling such cases.

3. It occupied lesser space as compared to bar diagram

4. It requires more mathematical calculations

5. It is effective only when proportional comparison of a few units is to be made (say two
or three). In case large number of units are to be compared, a Pie diagram may not be
preferred over multiple bar diagram.

Fig. 3.6 Pie Diagram

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iv. STAR DIAGRAM

In this diagram radiating lines are drawn from a centre to represent a certain quantity or
number of days etc. The length of the lines is proportional to the quantity which is to be
represented. When the outer points of the lines are joined together, they give the
appearance of a star. Hence, the diagram is named as a star diagram. Wind rose is a
Notes typical example of star diagrams.

Example

Construct a star diagram for the following data.

Table 3.13

Wind coming from No. of days

North (N) 51

North East (NE) 22

East (E) 17

South East (SE) 42

South (S) 55

South West (SW) 57

West (W) 32

North West (NW) 52

Calm Days 37

Total 365M

How to construct a Star Diagram

The following steps are involved in the construction of a star diagram:

i. There are eight directions from which wind is blowing. Hence, we draw eight lines
radiating from a centre indicating all the eight directions of the wind.

ii. Now write eight directions on these lines as N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, Wand NW.

iii. Assume a suitable scale for showing the flow of the wind from various directions keeping
the size of the paper in view. Each line will depict the number of days the wind is
blowing from each direction. Here the scale is 1cm = 20 Days.

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On the basis of the scale, the length of the lines from Centre will be calculated as under:

L = D S

Where L stands for length of the line.

D stands for no. of days for which wind is blowing from a direction.
Notes
S stands for scale (here 1 cm = 20 days).

Thus the length of lines of each direction will be

N = 2.55 cm

NE = 1.1 cm

E = .85 cm

SE = 2.1 cm

S = 2.75 cm

SW = 2.87 cm

W = 1.6 cm

NW = 2.6cm

Calm = 1.85 cm
Fig. 3.7 Star Diagram

Now put points for the calculated length on each line. For the number of calm days, a
circle of 1.85 cm radius will be drawn at the centre. (see fig. 3.7).

iv. The terminal points of each line are joined together to form the star diagram.

v. Number of calm days is written in the centre of the circle for which it has been drawn.

Characteristics of Star Diagram

1. Construction of star diagram is very simple. It does not involve any mathematical
calculation, except the calculation of the length of lines.

2. Star diagrams are shown on climatological maps and pilot charts. They give us an
understanding about the weather conditions (windy or calm) in an area of a region.

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3.4 DISTRIBUTIONAL MAPS

Any phenomena or statistical data which pertains to an area is shown on the map. This map is
said to be a distribution map. A variety of distributional maps may be prepared like distribution
of soil, crops, population, density, literacy, rainfall, temperature, etc. For the preparation of a
distribution map, following are needed–
Notes
1. An outline map of a region/area/administrative unit.

2. A relief map of the same area showing forested area/water body/marshes and contours.

3. Soil as well as climatic maps of the same area is required when crops are to be shown.

4. To show the distribution of population a map is needed on which at least urban centres
are shown.

There may be a number of methods for showing the distribution but here only two methods
dot and choropleth have been taken to discuss.

A. DOT MAPS

A dot map provides a visual impression of relative density of phenomena with the help
of dots of uniform size. It uses discrete data or absolute figures, which are later converted
into certain number of dots.

The dot is a point symbol used to represent the spatial distribution of phenomena. A dot
map employs either mono-dot method or multiple-dot method in representing the
data. Here, we are concerned with mono dot method only.

In mono-dot method, the size of the dots is kept uniform throughout the region to be
mapped. The dots in this case may be single coloured, when one phenomenon is to be
shown, e.g., Population distribution by numbers; or multicoloured where more than
one features of the same phenomena are mapped. For example, in a map showing
distribution of tribes, dots of different colours indicate different tribes, but the size of
dots is uniform all over, irrespective of the colour.

Example

Fig. 3.8 is a dot map showing population distribution in Madhya Pradesh in 2011 (Table
3.15). In column 4 of the Table 5.15 we have worked out the number of dots to be placed in
each district. The scale selected for the purpose is one dot representing 20,000 persons. The
method of construction is elaborated in the following paragraphs.

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Table 3.14

Population Distribution in Madhya Pradesh, 2011

Sl. No District Population No. of Dots

1 Indore 3,276,697 164
Notes
2 Jabalpur 2,463,289 123
3 Sagar 2,378,458 119
4 Bhopal 2,371,061 119
5 Rewa 2,365,106 118
6 Satna 2,228,935 111
7 Dhar 2,185,793 109
8 Chhindwara 2,090,922 105
9 Gwalior 2,032,036 102
10 Ujjain 1,986,864 99
11 Morena 1,965,970 98
12 Khargone 1,873,046 94
13 Chhatarpur 1,762,375 88
14 Shivpuri 1,726,050 86
15 Bhind 1,703,005 85
16 Balaghat 1,701,698 85
17 Betul 1,575,362 79
18 Dewas 1,563,715 78
19 Rajgarh 1,545,814 77
20 Shajapur 1,512,681 76
21 Vidisha 1,458,875 73
22 Ratlam 1,455,069 73
23 Tikamgarh 1,445,166 72
24 Barwani 1,385,881 69
25 Seoni 1,379,131 69
26 Mandsaur 1,340,411 67
27 Raisen 1,331,597 67

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28 Sehore 1,311,332 66
29 Khandwa 1,310,061 66
30 Katni 1,292,042 65
31 Damoh 1,264,219 63
Notes 32 Guna 1,241,519 62
33 Hoshangabad 1,241,350 62
34 Singrauli 1,178,273 59
35 Sidhi 1,127,033 56
36 Narsimhapur 1,091,854 55
37 Shahdol 1,066,063 53
38 Mandla 1,054,905 53
39 Jhabua 1,025,048 51
40 Panna 1,016,520 51
41 Ashoknagar 845,071 42
42 Neemuch 826,067 41
43 Datia 786,754 39
44 Burhanpur 757,847 38
45 Anuppur 749,237 37
46 Alirajpur 728,999 36
47 Dindori 704,524 35
48 Sheopur 687,861 34
49 Umaria 644,758 32
50 Harda 570,465 29
Source: Census of India, 2011

Construction of dot map

First of all you need a base-map of the region to be mapped and the data in numbers. The
boundaries of the individual administrative units, for which the figures are obtained are drawn
in pencil or light ink. Such administrative units are called unit-areas and the value represented
by each dot is the unit-value. In Example, illustrated here, ‘district’ is the unit-area and “20
persons per dot” is the unit-value. The preparation of dot map depends on:

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i. Careful selection of the unit-value and size of the dots;

ii. Determination of uniform and proper size of dots;

iii. Proper placing of the dots.

It is only after the unit-value of the dot and its proper place on the map are decided, the
dots of uniform size are put within the unit-areas demarcated on the map. Notes

i. Selection of unit-value and size of the dots

Unit value determines the number of dots to be placed in each unit area. The first step
is to examine the range of quantities involved, and then to select a value to be represented
by each dot. The selected unit value is always a round number (and generally a multiple
of 10). Secondly, the fractions of the actual figure are never plotted.

The unit value adopted should neither be so low that it creates difficulty in inserting dots
in high density areas, nor it should be so high that the area units with low density should
loose their significance. The best approach is by experimenting. Dot Map in fig. 3.8
uses the unit value of 20,000 persons per dot.

ii Placing of Dots

The base maps showing physical and cultural features are of great help for the placement
of dots on the maps. On the basis of these the positive and negative areas should be
marked first. The positve areas are the parts of the region which are favourable for the
distribution of the phenomena while negative areas are the relatively unfavourable parts
of the region. In population distribution maps, for instance, these negative areas are
known as non-ecumene areas, viz. the lands unsuitable for human settlements such as
deserts, swamplands, flood plains etc.

In placing the dots, care must be taken not to leave the boundary areas blank. Care
must also be taken so that the dotting does not inadvertantly produce lines and clusters
of dots that do not occur in reality. In fig. 5.8, dots have been placed after a careful
study of the districtwise distribution of population in Rajasthan, and the physical and
cultural features of the state.

Interpretation of a dot map

As the distributional patterns on the dot map are shown by dots, theoretically one should
count the number of dots in each unit area and multiply it with the unit-value assumed for one
dot. The following principles should be kept in mind while interpreting a dot map:

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 Divide the entire region into high, moderate and low concentration areas and describe
each of them seperately.

 The areas or districts not conforming to the general pattern can be discussed as
exceptional cases.

Notes  If necessary, the facts of distribution may be supplemented by the absolute figures given
in the respective table.

The above principles may, now, be used to interpret the patterns of distribution of rural population
in Madhya Pradesh as shown in fig. 3.8. The distribution is almost even in nature. Because of
gentle variation in the data, the nodes of very high concentration do not exist on the map, but
the general pattern reveals the fact clearly that the some are more crowded than the other
parts.

Fig. 3.8 Dot Map

Characteristics of a dotmap

1. A dot map exhibits more vivid picture of the distributional pattern.

2. It is easily commensurable.

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3. A dot map may be converted into an isopleth or choropleth map, but the reverse is not
possible.

4. The dot method is sometimes referred to as the “absolute method”, because of the
absolute ratio between quantities represented and the number of dot employed.

5. Dot maps are comparatively easier to construct. No much computation is required in Notes
determining the number of dots required.

6. The dot may not be near the place where feature to be mapped actually exists.

7. Dot method fails to show the distribution of a phenomenon having very uneven
distribution.

8. Sometimes the dots coalesce in denser areas and are rarely counted. For precise
information one has to turn to the basic source of data.

B. CHOROPLETH MAP

Choropleth is a technique for representing spatial data on map in which shadings are
drawn depending upon the intensity/density of information. The raw spatial data is
analysied first and different categories are made. An uniform shade/colour is assigned
to one category/class. The shades are selected based on certain norms. In general
darker shades are allotted to higher values/density/intensity and that of lighter shades to
lower values/density/intensity.

Example

Figure 3.9 is a map showing the density of population in Haryana (Table 3.16). Column III
and IV show the area of districts and their population, respectively.

The density has been computed by deviding the population of a district by its respective area.
Thus it is an average number of people residing in text particular district in our square km of
area. The method of construction is elaborated in the following paragraphs.

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Table 3.15
Population Density in Haryana, 2001

S.No. District Area (Sq.Km.) Population Density

I II III IV V

Notes 1. Ambala 1569 1013660 646

2. Kurukshetra 1217 828120 680

3. Karnal 2471 1274843 516

4. Jind 2736 1189725 435

5. Sonipat 2260 1278830 566

6. Panipat 1250 967338 774

7. Rohtak 1668 940036 564

8. Panchkula 816 469210 575

9. Faridabad 2105 2193276 1042

10. Gurgaon 2700 1657669 614

11. Mahendergarh 1683 812022 483

12. Bhiwani 5140 1424554 277

13. Hisar 3788 1536417 406

14. Sirsa 4276 1111012 260

15. Riwari 1559 764727 491

16. Kaithal 2799 945631 338

17. Yamuna Nagar 1756 982369 559

18. Fatehabad 2491 806158 324

19. Jhajjar 1868 887392 475

20. Haryana 44152 21082989 478

Source : Census of India 2001

Construction of Choropleth Map

Choropleth map in the one where real information is shown, hence a map with its subdivision
boundary is needed. The sub-division of map (block/district or even state) as administrative
unit becomes the unit area for the construction of choropleth map.

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As we know that the people live in clusters like villages, towns or cities. The distribution of
population on the space surface is not uniform or continuous. The counting of heads residing
in clusters are taken on the total population. If we divide the total population of a block/district
by the area of a block/district it gives the density of population. A single value of an administrative
boundary is an average density considered to be uniformly distributed for mapping purpose.
Hence entire district is shown by that particular shade. Notes
After getting the density/productivity/literacy they are grouped into different classes. All the
administrative units falling into that class are assigned the same shading. Therefore, wherever
there is greater value darker shade is used and the lighter shade is used for smaller value. In
between these two ranges shades are kept in a particular order of values.

Fig. 3.9 Choropleth Map

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Interpretation of choropleth map

Before making any statement about the interpretation of the choropleth map, one should
always keep in mind the general pattern of shading. Pattern may be seen in terms of increasing
or decreasing trend on the surface. Sometimes, a few isolated pockets of high concentration
of density may be attributed due to some other favourable conditions. Hence, it may be
Notes explain in that perspective.

Just by giving a glance on the figure 3.9 it is quite clear that the higher concentration of
population density is in the eastern part of Haryana. As one goes from east to west the density
decreases and to the north, west and south-west, density is the lowest. Excessively high
density (1042 person per Km2) is found in Faridabad, located on the south-eastern most
corner. The density map shows five categories of density concentrations; very low, low,
moderate, high and very high. The minimum density (260 persons/Km2) is recorded in Bhiwani
district in south western part of Haryana. The difference between the highest and lowest is the
more than 750 persons/Km2. The high density districts are adjoining to the very high density
districts of Haryana. The list of districts falling under different density categories are as follow–

Very High Density – Faridabad, Panipat, Kurukshatra and Ambala;

High Density – Gurgaon, Panchkula, Sonipat, Rohtak and Yamuna Nagar;

Moderate Density – Karnal, Riwari, Mahendergarh, Jhajjar and Jind;

Low Density – Hissar and Kaithel;

Very low Density – Fatehabad, Bhiwani and Sirsa.

Characteristics of a Choropleth Map

1. Choropleth map shows different shadings. The darkness of the shade exhibits the changing
scale of the value in an ascending or decending order.

2. The shade of a class / category exhibits the same values, though, the range may vary
a lot.

3. The entire administrative unit considered to be uniform in terms of distribution but in

reality it may not be true.

4. The administrative boundary represents a sharp divide between adjacent unit.

5. The darkest and the lowest shades may be adjacent to each other.

6. Many a time it may not be able to show the varying trends on the earth surface.

7. Pockets/Patches may appear on the map distinctively.

8. Varrying trend can be compared by preparing two sets of map of two time period.

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EXERCISES FOR PRACTICAL RECORD BOOK

1. Draw a line graph showing growth of population in India from 1901-91.

Years 1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1351 1961 1971 1981 1991

Population 23.8 25.2 25.1 27.9 31.9 36.1 43.9 54.8 68.6 84.4 Notes
(in million)

2. Construct a bar diagram showing Annual Rainfall in Thiruvananthapuram.

Months Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

Rainfal1 22.9 20.8 38.6 105.7 207.8 356.4 223.0 145.5 137.9 273.3 205.5 74.5
(in mms)

3. Prepare a star diagram to represent the following data:

Direction No. of days the wind is blowing

N 45

NE 110

E 25

SE 27

S 23

SW 15

W 90

NW 20

Calm days 10

Total 365

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Notes
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