Human Systems--Population Maps

Reading Population Density Maps

Objectives:

I can identify population density.

I can learn about population characteristics by using maps, charts, and graphs.​

What are population density maps?

• Population density is the number of people living in a unit area of land. Maps can show where on the earth’s surface clusters of people live. This kind of map is called a population density map. 

• A population density map uses shading or colors to show how many people live in each square mile or square kilometer of a given area. 

How to read a population density map.

• Population density maps can use lighter shading or colors for areas where few people live. Darker shading or colors are used for areas where many people live. 

• The legend tells you what each shading or color on the map represents.

• Cities that are shown by dots or squares also represent different population sizes