Week 1 Lab - Maps

This map of California was found through google on http://www.digital-topo-maps.com/county-map/california.shtml. This map is interesting because it lists all the counties in California. At times I find it difficult to mention specific cities for a state so large. It is also interesting because every state has numerous counties and it is important to know where I am. I was born and raised in California (in Los Angeles County) so this map is very dear to my being. At times I find it easier to mention counties (although large in scope) rather than individual cities or regions. Also, I love how this map is color-coded. It makes it easier to define one county from another and its interesting to see how California's population is separated. This map is also interesting in that the geographical borders can shift depending on the US Census. Thus, this county map of California may differ tremendously depending on shifting demographics in the next several years.



This is a map of the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. I found this map through google on http://www.las-vegas-hotel-tours.com/las-vegas-map.php. The map lists the various hotels and casinos on the strip along with major freeways/highways and streets. However, everything is concentrated around Las Vegas Blvd., for all the major hotels are located on the strip. I find this map interesting because I have been to Vegas several times and never looked at this map before. It would be very helpful to know where everything is located in order to save time walking around everywhere looking for a certain location. As all the major casinos and hotels are easily discernible through this map, this map would help locate where I would want to go. Further, the map is very plain. Little boxes show hotel locations, with a thick red line defining the Las Vegas Strip. However, this plain look makes it easier to navigate as this map does not show every little thing about Vegas. But if I was looking for a certain restaurant or other Vegas landmark, it would be difficult to pinpoint where everything is for this map is specific to hotels and casinos.



The figure above is a map of the world detailing income distributions in each continent. This map is color coded, with blue/purple colors denoting wealthier areas in the world and yellow/red colors depicting lower income and middle classes. This map was found through google on  http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/03/age-of-man/map-interactive. This map is interesting because one can easily determine wealthier parts of the world in comparison to poorer ones. Philanthropists and non profit organizations may go to countries that are not as wealthy as others and offer assistance. Wealthier areas may determine areas of increased commerce and trade. People looking to do business may travel around the world depending on income levels for individuals with higher levels of disposable income are more likely to spend their capital on discretionary goods, products and services. This map is also pleasant to look at for the colors seem to match quite well, making it pleasing to the eye.