6-4 Graphic Representation of Attributes

Attributes in GIS are usually given in the form of relational tables. The attributes are classified into three categories.

class: difference and sometimes similarity should be represented by difference of color, tone and texture.

quantity: number, length, size, density, area, volume, ratio etc. should have proper graphic forms with respect to the physical unit.

spatial relation: order, connectivity, flow, paths, network etc. will be represented in a form of flow chart, arrow vector map, dendrograph etc.

Most of statistical graphs are related to class and quantity which can be displayed in various types of graphs such as bar, column, belt and circle graphs as shown in Figure 6.7 the statistics shown in Table 6.3. Additional graphic decorations using shade, texture, pictures, color etc. is most recommendable for producing impressive output.

Thematic maps are the representations of attributes or clases with respect to the georeferential relation.

Several graphic representations are possible depending on the characteristics of attributes as follows.

color map with 5~20 color codes
dot map with 5 ~10 dot patterns
texture map with 5~10 texture patterns
contour map for continuous values
profile map for continuous values along profiles
statistical map with various types of graph
pictomap for symbolic representation
3D map for easier understanding (bird’s eye view, prism map etc.)