Answer in brief.
Differentiate between choropleth and isopleths methods.
Choropleth and Isopleth maps are two different forms of distributional maps that are used tor represent various geographical elements in a region. At first glance, they may look similar but the methodology behind them is completely different and they also utilize different data. The following table differentiates between the two methods.
Choropleth Method | Isopleth Method | |
1 | The data for different geographical variables is represented by either shades of the same color or by different colors. | The data for the variable under study is demarcated by isolines which are lines joining the places having the same value. |
2 | Continuous or varying data can be used for mapping purposes. | Only continuous data is used. |
3 | Administrative boundaries define data boundary and hence continuous data may be misrepresented. | Administrative boundaries do not define data boundary. Data boundary is defined by isolines. |
4 | Smallest and largest values of given data are used to classify the data range into acceptable classes. | Places having same data value determine the drawing of isolines. The range is determined by the difference in these isolines. |
5 | Color gradient or pattern allows map interpretation. Deeper the color, higher the value of data under study. | Placement of lines allows map interpretation. Closer the isolines, steeper the data distribution. |
6 | Mainly used for varying data like population density, distribution etc. | Mainly used for continuous data live temperature, rainfall, altitude etc. |