Census data allows individuals to visualize the proportion of an ethnicity in various regions. In the maps above, we are able to tell the percent of various populations in different counties of the Continental United States. In the top map, we are able to visualize the distribution of other races in the counties. The most obvious pattern one can visualize through this map is that other races are concentrated mostly on the west coast. More specifically, states in the south west are more concentrated. States in the Midwest do not have a significant percent of these races. Lastly, states along the eastern coast have a mediocre percent of other races. Thus, the significant population of other races lies on the west coast.The Asian population follows a similar pattern as other races but with a few differences. In California and other Pacific states, the Asian population makes a significant portion. One can clearly see a large percentage in the Los Angeles and San Francisco area. Additionally, New York City also has a significant percentage of Asian individuals. The Midwest does not have a significant percentage of Asian individuals. Overall, Asian individuals are concentrated in a few areas in the Continental United States.
As for African Americans, the population is significantly concentrated in the south. In comparison to the south, the rest of the Continental United States does not have a significant percentage of blacks. Additionally, in urban counties such as Los Angeles and New York, African Americans occupy a mediocre proportion of those counties. Lastly, the Midwest and northern United States have a small percentage of African Americans. Overall, African Americans make up a significant proportion of the population in the south.
In creating the census map series, many decisions were involved. Clearly, any choropleth map would involve decisions to make, such as colors and breaks of data. The most important decisions to make are regarding data. In choosing the data breaks, one wants to ensure that the results of breaks are meaningful. Without proper breaks, ones map may not present any relevant pattern. Additionally, choropleth maps beg the question why do these patterns happen? For example, why do African Americans make a significant proportion of the population in the South? Consequently, choropleth maps can present meaningful information that makes individuals ask "why."
Overall, GIS is a very important tool necessary for presenting spatial information. After presenting data spatially, further questions arise about the patterns, as seen with census data. In other scenarios, GIS can help explain "why" questions. Additionally, GIS can help predict consequences. In making a slope map of the Station Fire, individuals may predict the debris flow following heavy rain. Overall, GIS has many important applications in regards to spatial data and its presentation.
