Lab 7

Map One

Map Two

Map Three

For this lab I created three choropleth maps based on population percentage data within the United States. These maps are based on data taken from and provided by the 2010 Census. From the census, I attained statistics of percentages of populations of specific races in counties across the continental US. My lab focuses on the populations of “Black”, “Asians”, and “Some Other Race Alone”. For each of the three maps the data was broken down into six groups (based on natural breaks) to achieve the color gradation. 

Map One illustrates Black population concentrations within the continental United States. Clearly shown is the large concentration of Black populations in the Southern US represented by the darker purple colors.  There are also substantial populations in California, in the eastern part of the Midwest, and within New York and New Jersey. The large concentrations in the South can most likely be attributed to the slave trade and industry that was primarily based within that region. The other three regions represent former or current economic hotspots, such as the Los Angeles and Riverside counties in California.

Map Two illustrates Asian population concentrations. From what can be seen, Asian populations are much more disturbed in the US. The population is not nearly as concentrated as the Black population. Congregation seems to be most intense along the West Coast, mainly in California and Washington, and along the Northeastern seaboard. The concentration patterns most likely represent immigration patterns. It should also be noted that both the Asian and Black populations have counties with less than 0.01% populaces. These counties are represented by no color, i.e. the color of the maps’ background.  

Map Three illustrates “Some Other Race Alone” concentrations. The “Some Other Race” category is an interesting aspect of the Census. This category is meant for people whom do not identify themselves as any of the other 14 racial categories. The group most often includes Hispanic Americans, non-Hispanic West Indian/ Caribbean Americans, Turkish Americans, Arab Americans, and Iranian Americans, with Hispanics making up the majority of the category. The ethnicity and race portion of the Census is being reevaluated for the 2020 Census in hopes to attain more accurate and informative data. The map reveals that these groups are most concentrated in the West, primarily the South West, and in Florida. This is most likely due to the regions proximity and history with Mexico and Central and South America.

My census map series really highlights how informative GIS can be. From readily available data I was able to easily create maps that encapsulate said data in a fashion that can be analyzed by others. GIS in conjunction with the ArcGIS software suite have limitless possibilities.