Symbols, flow lines and trip lines

Question 1

located symbols definition

Answer 1

usually data, proportional symbols or bar charts placed onto a base map to show patterns

Question 2

located symbol strengths

Answer 2

• simple/quick to draw
• colours can show patterns
• make comparisons
• effective at illustrating data

Question 3

weaknesses of located symbols

Answer 3

• size of dots may be too small to count or too big and hide the map
• bars may hide details on the map
• location of symbol may be unknown
• bars can extend over boundaries causing confusion
• proportional symbols can be time consuming to draw

Question 4

flow line maps definiton

Answer 4

show movements (eg people, traffic, goods and info e.g internet connections, bank transcations, phone calls etc.

they represent movement as lines proportional in thickness to the volume of flow

Question 5

non-routed flow lines (or triplines)

Answer 5

where straight lines are used to show flow between places

Question 6

routed flow lines

Answer 6

where actual pathways are used e.g. streets, A roads, B roads, motorways or transport networks

Question 7

flow line strengths

Answer 7

• simple to understand
• clear visual mapping method for depicting general patterns of movement
• depicts interactions between places
• can be used for local, national or international scale

Question 8

trip line weaknesses-

Answer 8

• density of flow lines makes map confusing
• non-routed don’t show the actual corridors of movement e.g. roads
• flow value often have a wider range of values, so not detailed enough
• too generalised
• arrow heads can be misleading if placed in the wrong direction