American Cultural Symbols

         Some of the cultural icons of the United States are recognized universally.  They are that symbols that most people envision, both in and outside the country.

The Statue of Liberty is one such example.

source: http://democracychronicles.com

          The first time I saw the statue of liberty was as a child.  My family immigrated to the United States from Italy, and It was actually the very first thing I laid eyes on as the ship we were on entered New York Harbor.  We were one of the last immigrants to land on Ellis Island on a ship.

source: http://ace.ameson.org/

          Other symbols are things we encounter every day, for example burgers...

           I think most people would agree the burger is the quintessential American food. Kinda makes you hungry doesn't it?

          Then there are the symbols that bring to mind  many things about American heritage.  When I see a bison, I think about the American West, and the fact that once they roamed the prairies in the tens of millions  For me, the bison also symbolizes, westward expansion and the wanton abuse of our environment.

         



        It also reminds me of our National Parks. Once, when I visited Yellostone I woke up in my camper van surrounded by a small herd.  A mother and her calf were grazing just a few feet away. It's a memory I still cherish.

Three Thematic Maps

Thematic maps are used to illustrate a particular theme within a geographic area.  Such maps can portray any aspect you choose, physical, economic, cultural and so on. Below are three such examples.

Isopleth map

Maps that use contour lines of equal value

Chloropleth Map

Maps that use area shading, patterns or a combination of both to describe statistical values visually

source: http://data.is/1h0keSM

Dot Distribution Map

Maps that utilize dot symbols to illustrate spatial patterns of different features or phenomenon

Source: www.e-education.psu.edu