Mapping in ArcGIS

In this exercise we were instructed to make two simple maps using the mapping functions built into ArcMap.  The first map is a choropleth map and second is a proportional symbol map.   Both maps are produced using the demographic data on United States counties that is given in ArcMap. 

For the choropleth map, I decided to explore senior citizen populations in the United States at the county level.  I used 5 classes with the default natural breaks classification method.  The number of senior citizens is normalized by the total population, resulting in percentage values that are easy to interpret.  I included a few important design elements in the map.  The map was exported from ArcMap, in layout view, to a JPEG (shown below).

 

 

 

 

 

For the Proportional symbol map, I decided to use vacancy statistics to show the number of vacant buildings per county.  Vacant houses are mapped using absolute data.  The larger the circle symbol, the more vacant buildings present.  I chose to use 5 different sizes of proportional symbols to give a larger range that is easier to interpret.  There are a few crucial design elements included.   The map was exported from ArcMap, in layout view, to a JPEG (shown below).