Geography 201 • Human Geography • Dr. Sarah Bednarz • Spring 2005Activity 1IntroductionThere are several objectives to this activity. You will:l) think geographically (the spatial perspective),2) produce and interpret two maps, and3) review the locations of the states of the United States (which you already know--that is why it is areview!!).In class we discussed two key ideas: 1) that geographers "see the world in spatial terms" and 2)that the scale of analysis (one category vs. four; local scale, state scale, national scale) determinesthe patterns and relationships we can observe. We also discussed the tools geographers use to seepatterns and to understand why things are where they are. One of the most important tools is themap. As you produce the maps for this activity, remember that you are not "just coloring maps,"you are organizing spatial information in categories in order to analyze it and draw conclusions.Procedure1. Fill in the required information (state, land area, population) on the accompanying worksheet.Use 2000 census data. Finding accurate information is your first task. Population data can be foundon the web http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/respop.html and land area can befound in the Statistical Abstract of the United States in the Library in the Reference Section or on-lineas a PDF file at http://www.census.gov/prod/2001pubs/statab/sec06.pdf . Use data for LANDAREA (not including bodies of water).2. Use this formula:Population Density = Population/Land Areato calculate the arithmetic density for each state and the entire United States. Do not include theDistrict of Columbia in your calculations. Be sure to record your correct answers in theaccompanying table. You do not need to hand in the table, just the maps and your analysis of themaps.Hint: To calculate the average for the entire United States, first, add the population for each of the50 states. Then add the total land area for each state. Last, divide the TOTAL population by theTOTAL land area.3. On the map of the United States, using a different color or pattern for each, indicate those stateswhich have a population density GREATER than the United States average, and those states with apopulation density LESS THAN the United States average.Hint: The convention is lighter color = less; darker color = more. Try to use your lightest shade forthe least category and darkest color for the greatest category.Geography 201 • Human Geography • Dr. Sarah Bednarz • Spring 2005ANSWER: What patterns can be seen in the distribution of population densities by state? Type/writeneatly your answer in this space:4. Now, look at this information from a different, more detailed scale of analysis. On the secondmap of the United States, using a different color or pattern for each, indicate:• states with a population density LESS THAN the U.S. average.• states with a population density GREATER THAN the U.S. average• states with a population density GREATER THAN TWICE the U.S. average pop.density• states with a population density GREATER THAN FOUR TIMES the U.S. average pop.density• states with a population density GREATER THAN EIGHT TIMES the U.S. averagepop. densityFor example, if you calculate that the average is 75, you would have five categories of states:• less than 75• 75-150 (greater than average)• 151-300 (greater than twice)• 301-600 (greater than four times)• 601 + (greater than eight times)5. A. ANSWER: What patterns can be seen in terms of the distribution of the population density onthis map? Do you observe clusters of population or is it disperse? Type/write neatly your answer inthis space:Geography 201 • Human Geography • Dr. Sarah Bednarz • Spring 2005Thinking like a geographer requires looking at issues from a variety of perspectives and at a varietyof scales of analysis.5. B. ANSWER: Compare the first map and the second map. How does the detail of the data (twocategories versus five categories) affect the way in which the population density is interpreted andthe patterns you observe? Type/write neatly your answer in this space:5. C. ANSWER: Which map would you use to determine the best place to market a new product?Why? Type/write neatly your answer in this space:Activity 1STATELAND AREA (SQ.MI.)POPULATIONDENSITYSTATELAND AREA (SQ.MI.)POPULATIONDENSITY45°N45°N45°N40°N40°N40°N35°N35°N35°N30°N30°N30°N25°N25°N25°N100°W100°W100°W 80°W80°W80°W105°W105°W105°W 95°W95°W95°W45°N45°N45°N40°N40°N40°N35°N35°N35°N30°N30°N30°N130°W 120°W 110°W 100°W 90°W 80°W 70°W125°W 115°W 105°W 95°W 85°W 75°WCourtesy: Arizona Geographic Alliance Department of Geography, Arizona State University Barbara Trapido-LurieMiles0 100200300Kilometers0300Projection: Lambert Conformal ConicStandard Parallels 33°N, 45°NThe United States000 100 Mi100 Mi100 Mi000100 Km100 Km100 Km000 200200200400 Mi400 Mi400 Mi000200200200 400 Km400 Km400 Km65°65°65° N N N90°W85°W