Industrial Water Usage Of 2005: A Case Study

In the words of Nicholas Crane, “Maps codify the miracle of existence.” Meaning that the miracle of our existence needs systematic order for us to function as a global society. Humans use maps to not only to get directions from one point to another, but also to display data about certain topics, such as the percentage of hispanic people living in the US, or to track the spread of a disease. In this case, the map codifies the amount of industrial water usage throughout the US by state in 2005. In order for a map to be correct, the cartographer, creator of the map, has to think about several different objectives while creating it. Projection, color scheme, symbolism, classification, scale and design are all very important when it comes to creating

The Industrial Water Usage of 2005 has only one symbol; color. Symbols on a map may also include things such as, handicap ramps, restrooms, restaurants, bus stops, etc. On the contrary, when a map is displaying large amounts of data per state, there might only be a color to indicate the percentage, such as the map I am analyzing does. Overall, symbols may, or may not be used on a map, but they are always a valuable tool for a cartographer.

The way maps are commonly distinguished among one another, is often by their classification. The three categories are navigational, (one might use this map to find your way to a Starbucks) topographic, (these maps show levels of depth and elevation) and last, but not least, thematic maps. (Maps that show geographical concerns, such as the spread of a trend or disease.) The map I chose is classified as a thematic map, because it shows data about the spread or withdrawal of water for industrial purposes across the

But the map you receive to get there is misleading and confusing to read. In order for the human mind to understand and absorb the information, it needs to have a good overall design. The design needs to include all of the elements already discussed, color, projection, scale, etc. The map I chose to analyze, Total Industrial Water Usage in 2005, is easy to read, easy to understand, and well backed up in its design and data.

Overall, the map I chose would be very helpful to a farmer or agricultural workers, and even scientists that are concerned about preserving water in the US. This map is clear, clean and simple. The data was steadily backed up with an article written by USGS which is an online science academy, therefore is accurate and professionally created. This is a very well projected map, and earns the approval of all students studying this topic.

The only downside to the map is that there is no geographical scale. Though it might not be important for this particular map, a good map should always have a steady ratio of ground coverage to area on the map. Otherwise, this is an excellent