star plot

A star plot or a radar plot is used to show three or more data variables about a radius of a two dimensional form. These plots show automobiles price, style, model etc. They can be helpful when determining certain areas of interest.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/Star_plot.gif

Correlation matrix

Correlation matrices show correlations not unlike that of a similarities matrix but only show correlated data sets. This can be more helpful when it comes to discerning which sets of data are more closely related. This graph shows correlations among phage T7 proteins which help in stabilizing mRNA's.
http://yin.che.wisc.edu/images/ProteinMatrix.jpg

Similarity matrix

A Similarity matrix is a matrix which shows correlations between among sets of data. They organize a complex set of information so that the reader may interpret it easily. This data compares different types of organisms where red shows highly correlated similarities while green show high differences.
http://tomcat.esat.kuleuven.be/txtgate/images/distmat.png

Stem and leaf plot

Stem and leaf plots are the first plots we learn. They show numerical values in graphical presentations to help show form and evenness. This plot shows infant mortality rates in western Africa. Each numerical association is related to a per 1000 live births.
http://mainland.cctt.org/mathsummer/JosephBond/StemAndPlots/images/table2.gif

Box Plot

A box plot shows data similarly to a histogram but has boxes between the data to show variation. This plot shows the energy and output between four different machines and their variations. machine four has the least variable and therefore would most likely be deemed the best for the job.
http://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/eda/gif/boxplot0.gif

Histogram

A Histogram is basically a bar graph. Numerous sets of data are represented along two axis' and are colored in regarding there ratios. This histogram shows the overall distribution means of the scores made on a final exam. The large bar in the middle indicates that most student made between a 60 and an 80.
http://media.techtarget.com/digitalguide/images/Misc/iw_histogram.gif

Parallel coordinate graph

Parallel coordinate graphs show an overview of an extremely large portion of data. They plot all the data which is all connected. This graph shows drosophila fly gene expression.All the genes and cell ratio's are represented and are shown to have connectivity throughout the graph.
http://www-vis.lbl.gov/Events/SC07/Drosophila/3DParallelCoordinates.png

Triangular plot

Triangular plots map three different variable inside a triangle through proportions and percentage. They are used in a wide range of topics. This shows voter information such as liberals, labour and conservative voters.
http://www.ex-parrot.com/~chris/images/20050407/triangle.png

Windrose

Windrose diagrams are used to show wind speed and direction as a percentage on a circular graph at a location. The wind rose depicted here shows the speed and focus of the wind at a Airport in New York, New York. The most wind being between 3 and 8 mph and facing south.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Wind_rose_plot.jpg

Climograph

Climographs show monthly or annual precipitation and temperature conditions in a certain region. This one is from Australia and it shows that while rainfall remains the same pretty much throughout the year, because the continent lies south of the equator, the winter is in July.
http://www.uwsp.edu/gEo/faculty/lemke/geog101/images/09_climograph_BSh.gif

Population profile

Population profiles are used in showing population dynamics within a nation. THey show what percent of the population is in what age range. Oftentimes additional data may be added to the plot showing further trends. For example, this one shows population in Africa and the percent of the population with HIV/AIDS and what age bracket they lie in.
http://www.ifad.org/operations/regional/pf/figure1.gif

Scatterplot

Scatter plots are plotted data from a range of variables usually comparing two different things. They are often used to show correlation among different contingencies. This one shows the relation between husband age and wife age. It is positively correlated almost perfect linear relationship.
http://www.mzandee.net/~zandee/statistiek/stat-online/chapter4/graphics/age_scatterplot.gif

Index value plot

Index value plot are basically graphs. Data from a range of variable located on a positive grid showing a numerical value. This Plot shows stocks an India over time adjusted for inflation. Over a period of fourty-five years it has nearly grown by five hundred percent.
http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/~jrvarma/blog/Y2009/real-stock-index-1965-2008.png

Lorenz curve

Lorenz curve is usually used in economics and shows the average distribution of wealth within a society. The curve usually falls between a line of perfect equality and a line of perfect inequality.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Lorenz-curve1.png

Bilateral graph

Bilateral graphs shows positive and negative values regarding a variable on a scale. This graph shows the areas of freedom in relation to a new robot wrist that should have a rotation of 360 degrees.
http://www.msl.ri.cmu.edu/projects/teleop/images/yaxis_bilateral.jpg

Nominal area choropleth map

Nominal area choropleth maps are simple maps that use numbered data to show a variable. This map shows the percent of a population in Nepal that has readily available access to drinking water.
http://geoportal.icimod.org/UserFiles/Image/capacity%20building/elearning/Figure%208_3b.jpg

Unstandardized choropleth maps

Unstandardized choropleth maps show an extremely generalized proportion of a variable in a certain region. This map shows the threat level among several languages that may go extinct in South America. Most of which are focused in central South America.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4LLtXHJvE1C7Gf8PUJxYQmrcV0FTfANwn1738frlEOBfRozPyyBBgCb76DZJlwp540W2mx6tlQ30szgwTITrj5oNgpv-cLHLtVWDcIABdXvXe7ov5Z7Sg5PLGxIGkMcI6F502fqp9ZIa/s320/Endangered%2520Languages%2520Map001.gif

Standardized choropleth maps

Standardized choropleth maps show a generalized proportion of a variable that represent through shading different aspects of that variable. This map shows the proportion of people living in poverty in the united states. Most of which is centered in the south.
http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2007/oct/images/07_0091_02.gif

Univariate choropleth maps

Uni-variate are the most common choropleth maps, they show one variable in different shades throughout a region in order to represent that data. This map shows the nations water withdrawls in millions of gallons per day. Not surprisingly, both Texas and California represent the highest withdrawal rate due to their expansive populations and desert terrain.
http://wpcontent.answers.com/wikipedia/en/2/27/Choropleth.gif

Bivariate choropleth maps

Bivariate choropleth maps show two different aspects on one map using different choropleth techniques of shading. This map of Africa shows land use, GDP and life expectancy.
http://image24.webshots.com/25/3/32/3/286333203FPiEKt_fs.jpg

Unclassed choropleth maps

Unclassed choropleth maps show data not specifically assigned to any one percentage but instead represent through a choropleth map by the proportion of that actual data and not by classes. This map shows infant mortality rate in Europe where it is high in the east but especially high in the southeast.
http://www.esds.ac.uk/international/images/dynamictick1.gif

Classed choropleth maps

Classed chloropleth mapps use different colors to show areas of interest when making a chloropleth map. This map shows Hispanic population in southern Florida with regards as to what percent of the county population is Hispanic.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ilstu.edu/~jrcarter/Geo204/Choro/Tom/hispanic_race_fl-H1_FINAL.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.ilstu.edu/~jrcarter/Geo204/Choro/Tom/&h=375&w=500&sz=13&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=O4EbIah7kzga4M:&tbnh=98&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dchoropleth%2Bmaps%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den

Range graded proportional circle map

Range Graded Proportional Circle maps are maps that use circle size to show relative variables about a space. This map shows the Mexican population in the United states and where they are the largest.
http://www.neiu.edu/~jrthomas/377/circle.jpg

continuously variable proportional circle map

A continuously variable proportional circle map uses circles to represent data such as population or industry. This map of Germany shows which regions have the most activity in regards to proportion of industry in the region.
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/west_germany_ind_1972.jpg

DOQQ

Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quads are aerial photographs submitted through the USGS. This is a photograph taken in Lago Vista, Texas and appears in flood insurance program. It helps residents identify the region they live in and if it is at risk for flood.
http://www.crwr.utexas.edu/gis/gishydro00/Class/trmproj/Donnelly/termproject_files/1_Red_DOQQ.jpe

DEM

Digital elevation models are topographic data received through GIS that show terrain and other relief structures via remote sensing technologies. This is a DEM from the Tithonium Chasm on Mars showing relief on the planet, a crater and several canyons.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Mtm-05277e_3d.png

DLG

Digital Line Graphic maps use lines to show topographic data such as geological features. This one in Tennesse shows the river valley as it dissects several counties.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1eGL7LpIx3vJrRkXIepI5E_If10opvxmpCGPCq6IiSnbZlYAia3iKm_DOQS_8BadtgkI-BAFvvkWSdeejTWEs2APOpJZ-JGjlgcf4dhuu4n1qyDKCiXF4dAKXCj8ryvN7CNjl4pOAnUY/s320/dlg.gif

DRG

A DRG map or a digital raster graphic map is a map that has been scanned through the United states geological services catalog and shows topography of an area by using a 250 dot mechanism. This one shows the Potonoc River as it flows through Washington and the District of Colombia. They are useful just as any other maps to convey size, shape, and topographic data within the area.
http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs08801.graphics/drg.jpg

Isopleth map

Isopleth maps show contour lines depicting a variable such as population. This map shows hydrogen ion concentrations throughout the U.S. It can be useful for a great number of things such as census taking, economics or business.
http://dwb4.unl.edu/Chem/CHEM869V/CHEM869VLinks/nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/isopleths/maps1998/phfield.gif

Isopach

Isopachs are contour lines showing thickness of stratum. This map shows depth of oil reserves in a northwestern town. Most of the petroleum is located in shallow offshore waters which are much easier to drill.
http://www.republicenergy.com/Articles/Barnett_Shale/Isopach_Barnett_Shale.jpg

Isohyets

Isohyets are contour lines similar to isobars but show rainfall. This map shows precipitation in Africa, areas such as the Congo receive fair amount whereas areas such as the Sahara show much less.
http://www.artsci.wustl.edu/~anthro/courses/306/precip.GIF

Isotachs

Isotachs are similar to isobars but instead show areas of related wind speeds. This map shows isotach information in the U.S were wind speeds are most prevalent. Used most in meteorology they also have use when it comes to military, agricultural services and environmental issues.
http://www.comet.ucar.edu/resources/cases/c2_06dec95/gif/250ht_isotach.gif

Isobars

Isobars are lines that connect areas of similar pressure on a map. It is often used in meteorology and is useful to help indicate areas of high and low pressure. This is an isobaric map of Europe and show two areas of particularly importance regarding pressure.
http://z.about.com/d/german/1/0/1/J/aWetteurfronts.jpg

LIDAR

Light detection and ranging is simply a remote sensing technology that uses lasers and is similar to radar. This is a projection of Manhattan that has topographic data included to show what affect sea-level rise would have on the city.
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories/images/manhattan-lidar092701.jpg

Doppler radar

Doppler radar is radar that uses doppler effects to produce visibly, data from a distance. This is most often used in meteorology. This picture shows hurricane Frances as it crosses central Florida. The worst spots are indicated by red, medium level rains in yellow and light rain in green.
http://www.weatherusa.net/blog/images/doppler-orlando-1943.gif

Black & white aerial photo

Black and white aerial photography is a form of infrared film used to filter out blue and red light spectrum's so that there is more contrast in the photo. This landscape photo shows distinctions within the land and is good for topographic data and uses include military, governmental, and agricultural applications.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAonrGFijNvyakKyIj91Gpa_I8zkhSAXWPSmq5asuuPbGGeY1VbNhBs3_G5b4eLwrmXv7jjgyGpw9Z11amweVnJKkOutJQhvnmBkmT82rx_cMgwmcu5LfaOd5_uV88408s2t2R_kGSsXyh/s400/Black+and+White.jpg

Infrared aerial photo

Infared aerial photos are photos taken from an aerial view using technology that transfers heat waves that objects give off into pictures. This is a photo from a farmland. Photos like these can be transmitted into cartographic data that can be helpful to show cropland depletion, irrigation problems, deforestation, erosion etc.
http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/data_library/gis_data/aerial_photos/1994_illinois_river_72dpi/la_grange/187-013-lg-1994.jpg

Cartographic animations

A cartographic animation is a series of maps conveying data within a period of time. This animation shows the Indonesia tsunami in 2004. It is helpful to show exactly how things happen, the period of time within they happen, and a real time affect of natural occurrences. They are used in meteorology and several other disciplines.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznjef78AM9gFeq7U7CQijd92jZeAdfM6mEbSjH1HKvtTwMal47rMlCjaR2SZlDbIgaONPTw1BAUlhBYcQbDnT9dlM0rjNFB3rbhQPyKvTBwfzLahi5hf0M4ybMuK-rg1s5HuJRP6s-MS9/s1600-h/2004_Indonesia_Tsunami_100px.gif

Statistical maps

Statistiacal maps are used to show a value in proportion to a statistic in a certain region. This map is a map of the distribution of sates that voted for Obama in the 2008 election. The north showed a trend for Obama while the south showed trends toward the republican candidate.
http://www.dailyawesome.com/images/obama_vs_mccain.gif

Cartograms

A cartogram is a map that distorts the actual size of a place in order to reflect a number of different things including GDP or world power. This is a cartogram of world populations, the majority of which are found in the east in countries like China and India.
http://www.mcwetboy.net/maproom/images/worldmapper_cartogram.png

Flow Maps

Flow maps are maps used to represent the 'flow' or transportation of objects from one place to another. This map of the U.S maps specific flows of goods via trucks to places all through the country, most are in Texas but several arteries branch out in a fan shape that in turn branch into smaller capillaries exporting to other cities.
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/texas/combtrk_tx_1998.jpg

Isoline maps

Isoline maps are maps that have differing conjoining lines that are used to show many things including altitude, rainfall, depressions etc. This map of china uses them to show waterways and canals that are spread throughout the region.
http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/80157e/80157E0T.GIF

Proportional circle maps

Proportional circle maps show a statistic by using different sizes of circles. In this map, the circles in Germany represent the differing industries and what part of the country they are most prevalent in. Other things can be shown such as populations, unemployment rates, almost anything that has a percentage.
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/west_germany_ind_1972.jpg

Choropleth maps

Choropleth maps are used to show differing proportions among studied digital recordings by different coloring schemes. This map shows voter turnout as it occurred in the 2004 presidential election. The makers used colors to show percentage of voter turnout while small symbols showed at what age was most common to vote in that state.
http://wpcontent.answers.com/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/2004US_election_map.svg/280px-2004US_election_map.svg.png

Dot distribution maps

Dot distribution maps are helpful in that they can be used to show abundance or size of different populations. Including people, animals, plant or abiotics. This one shows the population of flowering plants as they are distributed about Africa, as you can see most are centralized in southern Africa.
http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/images/area.gif

Propaganda maps

Propaganda maps are used to show a perspective and get the makers point of view out there usually by using shock or intimidation by skewing the data shown to something that may not be particularly true. The map of Europe was used to show the greed of Germany and scare those who saw it. The areas occupied by Germany are larger than they actually are and the dark colors leave a negative connotation. This qualifies this map under the definition.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Urgxbtv4BKID04X3FDGvVHSdfZsxfWVQ_pNsjqFofIhhaoepNJRdky9o_I7uaD7WRW9V3gjRSLE_zuFcnz9ZY0ktAzy6b7cP12LJv2KO7BQKfvs1ksv9yE2sdJ7SkDetJAd_PxUkVZG9/s400/Propaganda+map.jpg

Hypsometric maps

A hypsometric map shows through color tinting, shading and topography, different elevations. This hypsometric map of the moon uses the different colors to show the elevations around the moon. They are useful when showing topographic data around a large area clearly.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Moon_worldwind.jpg

PLSS maps

Public land survey system maps or PLSS maps, are maps that divide the public land that the United States Government owns. This map shows this same type of thing. However over time they change just like other maps and this one is no exception.
http://gis.nwcg.gov/giss_2006/job_aids/maps_and_graphics/USA_PLSS_Meridians_map.jpg

Cadastral maps

Cadastral maps are used to show ownership and boundaries of land. Oftentimes used in land partitioning to resolve disputes. This map of Delaware county divides it into many subdivisions that are owned by different people.
http://www.dalisproject.org/images/cadastral_map.jpg

Thematic Maps

Thematic maps are used to show a theme or trend in a geographic region. This map shows through colors, population growth in the United States. Almost all the states in this map are showing population growth. This one was used to show a census while others can be used for anything from sociological to geographical to political aspects of an area.
http://www.sou.edu/Geography/JONES/GEOG280/stpop96.GIF