On a thematic map, the placement of shading or patterns to represent data values is known as

• A. Choropleth Map
• B. Contour Map
• C. Isoline Map
• D. Dot Map

Answer: (A)

On a thematic map, shading or patterns are used to show how a data value varies across different geographic areas. When each predefined area—like a state or county—is colored or patterned according to its data value, that map is called a choropleth map. The color intensity or pattern conveys the magnitude for each region, and a legend explains what the shades mean, making it easy to compare regions at a glance.

This differs from contour (isoline) maps, which use lines to connect points of equal value and depict continuous variation across space rather than discrete areas. Dot maps represent data with individual points to indicate occurrences or counts, not shading entire regions.