Exercise 7: Classifying and Displaying Data

(25 points)

1. Making a Number Line (4 points)

Using the 1999 US State Census data below, for the variable “Energy Consumption, Per
Person (milBtu)”, create a number line of the data as presented in Chapter 14. The
abbreviation “milBtu” stands for millions of British Thermal Units, and this measurement
is applied per person by state. Your number line will enable you “to see” and analyze the
distribution and the frequency of the 50-state data (Washington D.C. is excluded). Note
if the number is too long, you may want to fit it diagonally in a page.

Make four photocopies of the number line.

2. Classification (4 points)

Classify your 50-state data into 5 classes using the following methods: (1) Quantile
breaks, (2) Equal intervals based on Range, (3) Equal intervals not based on range, and (4)
Natural breaks.

For each classification method, I recommend you use Excel to do the math, especially for
the natural break method. When you know where to place the “breaking bars”, use pencil
to divide one photocopy of your number line based on your first classification method.
Do the same with your second, third and fourth photocopies for the remaining
classification methods.

For each classification method, provide the interval and frequency of each class on the
corresponding photocopy.

3. (5 points) Use the attached the excel data sheet to do the classification method
again. Make the result look like something similar to the one we used in the class.

3. (2 points) Which method do you believe best represents the true nature (frequency
and distribution) of the data? Briefly state your reason. Please type your answer.
4. Histogram (2 points)

Based on the classification method you selected in question 3, use Excel to create a
histogram (bar graph) as a graphic display of your 50-state data. Provide an appropriate
title and legend.

5. Pie Chart (2 points)

Create a divided circle (pie chart) as a graphic display of your 50-state data using Excel.
Please provide a title and legend for the chart.

6. Choropleth mapping (4 points)

Create a choropleth map as a cartographic display of your data. Use Figure 15.8 as a
model. A map of the 50 states in the United States can be found in Ex. 10 in your
textbook.
• Color the states using color pencils.
• Provide a legend like that in Figure 15.8 in your textbook
• Write a title on your map and cite the source of your data below the title as
displayed in Figure 15.8

7. (2 points) Write a paragraph about what you have observed. Does the map
accurately reflect the data? Are there regional patterns that you can identify?
What possible explanations can you offer for these regional patterns of US energy
consumption? What questions have you come up with after analyzing your map?
What other observations do you have? Please type your answer.