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MAPPING EXERCISE Thematic Mapping: Proportional Symbol Mapping The proportional symbol map is a widely used form of thematic mapping. In this technique, the cartographer selects a symbol and alters its size, the area to be exact, based on the data values. There are three methods for setting symbol size: absolute scaling, apparent magnitude (perceptual) scaling, and range grading. Absolute scaling involves scaling symbol area proportionately to the data value. For example, a symbol for a point with a data value of 100 should be twice the area of the symbol for a point with the value of 50. Apparent magnitude scaling incorporates correction factors to compensate for map-reader underestimation of symbol area. ArcMap uses Flannery compensation, a mathematical adjustment of symbol size to account for map readers underestimating the size of symbols. With range grading, a symbol represents a range of data values. As in the choropleth technique, data are classed and then each class is assigned a symbol of a distinctly different size. While most cartographers use the terms “proportional point symbol map” and “graduated point symbol map” interchangeably, in ArcMap these two terms have specific meaning. In the software, proportional symbol maps use absolute scaling or apparent magnitude scaling and graduated symbol maps use range grading. With proportional symbols, ArcMap allows you to set only the size of the smallest symbol (from which other symbols are scaled upwards). You can also use Flannery Compensation to adjust the symbol sizes. With graduated symbols, you have the ability to control the size of each of the symbols used in the map. In this exercise you will use absolute scaling, using ArcMap’s terminology, is the proportional symbol map. In this exercise, you will: Create a proportional symbol map Adjust the minimum symbol size for symbol scaling Adjust the symbol properties View descriptive statistics for a field Change the background properties of the propor