Thematic Maps of Canada

What are Thematic Maps? 

Thematic maps used to connect a theme or concept to a geographical location. These themes can be related to economic, cultural, or political activities in an area. Thematic maps focus on a small geographical distribution. Distributions that are generally displayed on thematic maps are human interactions that affect population density. They can be used to understand the interactions within a specific area, to understand spatial relations, or to compare data between maps. Cartographers may use  (GIS) geographic information systems to layer data of several thematic maps. thematic maps are created to display a specific scenario in relation to an area. 

Median Earnings in 2005:

www41.statcan.gc.ca

This thematic map of Canada displays the average income in 2005, by the census division. By observing this map, you can see that most of the population resides in southern Canada. Residents near central Canada in Saskatchewan and Manitoba have earnings of $18,000. Some low-income areas are also located in Atlantic coastal regions near Nova Scotia. Higher income populations are located in Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta. A cluster of high income within the $26,847 and $32,000+ range is located near Lake Ontario. Housing in coastal areas is more expensive meaning residents have to have higher incomes. These areas may also be tourist attraction causing the cost of living to increase.

Population Distribution:

www.statcan.gc.ca

This map of Canda displays the population growth rate by percentage. The highest population growth occurred in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. These areas tended to have lower incomes which could correlate with rapid population growth or over population. Some of the areas that had higher incomes in Quebec had population growth. This could be related to the fact that it is a tourist area of Canada and borders with the US. The central areas of southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba have low population growth. These areas seem to have less activity in terms of population and economy. 

Mean Age:

www.statcan.gc.ca

This thematic map displays the median age within areas of Canada. Residents of Quebec, Ontario, and Nova Scotia have the average age of around forty-four. These areas also tend to have higher incomes correlating with the fact that older people tend to have a greater economic standing than younger people. The younger population in their early and mid-thirties are located generally in lower income areas with low population growth. A cluster of younger populations is located in northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Low median earnings and high population growth shows that these areas are in the process of economic development.