ADVERTISEMENT

For every Internet commenter who enters online arguments about the USA with facts they got from their butt, there's a map that presents hard data bare and allows the viewers to make their own interpretations.

From light pollution and tree coverage to out-of-service railways and streets and highways, maps may not immediately look as exciting as a viral cat video -- which might explain why we often overlook them when -- but that doesn't mean that are boring. To prove that, we put together a selection of maps that explain the United States better then most textbooks and if broadening your worldview isn't thrilling, I don't know what is.

#1

Most Commonly Spoken Language In The Us After English And Spanish

Most Commonly Spoken Language In The Us After English And Spanish

reddit.com Report

There’s often overlapping features between maps. For example, a topographic map could be utilized to show the distribution of a local orchid, making it both a topographic and thematic map. It could also be used to show well-known features of specific interest to travelers making this topographic, general reference, and thematic maps all in one.

The most widely used maps are “Political maps”. They are the ones that are usually mounted on the walls of classrooms throughout the world. They show the geographic boundaries between governmental units such as countries, states, and counties. They show roads, cities, and major water features such as oceans, rivers, and lakes.

#2

The United States Of America: Alaskan Perspective

The United States Of America: Alaskan Perspective

reddit.com Report

Political maps are really good at helping people to understand the geography of the world. They are usually the first type of map that students are introduced to in school, too. They are often called “reference maps” because people refer to them again and again when they have questions.

According to Geology.com, thousands of different political reference maps have been prepared to explain the United States. There are maps of the entire nation, maps for each of the 50 states, and even maps of the 3142 counties (parishes in Louisiana, and boroughs in Alaska) that make up the states. Most counties, boroughs, and parishes are further subdivided into even smaller political units. An incredible number of political maps have been prepared just to display the geography of the United States alone.

ADVERTISEMENT
#3

How I, A Brit, See The United States (Sorry If It Offends Anyone)

How I, A Brit, See The United States (Sorry If It Offends Anyone)

reddit.com Report

Patrick McGranaghan, who is a land surveyor in Colorado, USA, and the creator of one of the biggest online cartography communities, r/MapPorn, did an analysis on its most popular posts on Twitter. McGranaghan collected the 10 best-performing posts from the previous 18 months -- about 200 maps in total -- and went through each of them individually, tagging them based on the content, style, and subject matter. He then sorted the tags to see which ones were the most common.

#4

States With A Smaller Population Than Los Angeles County

States With A Smaller Population Than Los Angeles County

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
breakmyheart avatar
Something
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why our voting system is insane. (It was designed for a different view of government, where the states govern the people and the federal government is the government of the states, but now that it doesn't operate at all like that, it doesn't make any sense.)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

"The most popular subject was history," McGranaghan told Bored Panda. "In this category, the most popular maps were about World War II." Maps about other wars were also well liked, as well as those about the ancient Romans and historic trade routes.

"Another popular category was natural science. Especially popular are maps about wildlife, such as those that use tracking data to show animal migration patterns. Other topics included geology and astronomic maps."

Interestingly, quite a few viral maps focused on language. These include etymology, dialect and various pronunciation maps.

#5

US Watersheds

US Watersheds

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
johnny_farnen avatar
BeazleBug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For those that don't know, a watershed is a geologic area from which all water drains to the ocean. The pink area is the Mississippi river basin which includes the Missouri, Ohio, Platte. Allegheny, Red and Arkansas rivers (among many, many others)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

"Another topic that I grouped together are 'political re-alignments'. These are maps that deal with boundaries. Subjects like separatist movements, re-drawing borders, and user-created idealizations. Many of these are satirical and funny," McGranaghan explained.

McGranaghan, however, wouldn't say that all of these maps are scientific. "I think the data is a bit noisy, but it's interesting nonetheless. Users sometimes want a magic formula to make their maps go viral and I don't think there is one. The tastes of the masses are fickle and change over time."

#6

Red And Orange Areas Have Equal Populations

Red And Orange Areas Have Equal Populations

Cogo5646 Report

Add photo comments
POST
nathanjones_2 avatar
Nathan Jones
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not at all surprising, since nearly half the population in this country lives within 30 miles of the coast.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

When it comes to maps that best describe a country, McGranaghan thinks that it depends on the goal of the mapmaker. "All maps are generalizations, some good, some bad. They are not true representations and a good 'reader' should know that. I think good data visualization will take disparate datasets and find meaningful connections that weren't known before. It sounds simple but it is not so straightforward. A good mapmaker should be familiar with many matrices of knowledge and should be able to sift through them and make new connections."

McGranaghan created r/MapPorn in May 2011 while living in Taiwan, and it currently has over 995K members. He thinks the reason why the community is becoming so big is the same one why people like maps so much: they are easily digestible. So go ahead folks, continue scrolling and enjoy the rest of the post. Bon appétit!

ADVERTISEMENT
#8

The Most Efficient Route Between Every Springfield In The United States

The Most Efficient Route Between Every Springfield In The United States

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

How Much Snow Does It Usually Take To Cancel Schools?

How Much Snow Does It Usually Take To Cancel Schools?

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
erin_16 avatar
GirlFriday
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nice. I always get a kick out of the places that close school for an inch of snow. You don't even need to wear a coat for 1" of snow.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Most Common Surname In The United States By State

Most Common Surname In The United States By State

reddit.com Report

#12

Every State's Least Favorite State

Every State's Least Favorite State

reddit.com Report

#13

Its Very Interesting

Its Very Interesting

reddit.com Report

#14

More People Live Inside The Red Area Than The Grey Area

More People Live Inside The Red Area Than The Grey Area

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
kevin-donegan avatar
Kevin Donegan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... and this is the downfall of the American election system called the electoral college.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Drug Overdose Deaths In The United States Per 100,000 Persons For 1999 And 2014

Drug Overdose Deaths In The United States Per 100,000 Persons For 1999 And 2014

reddit.com Report

#16

US States Scaled Proportionally To Population Density

US States Scaled Proportionally To Population Density

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#17

The Loudest And Quietest Spots In The Continental US

The Loudest And Quietest Spots In The Continental US

ational Park Service 9,9822,736Whoa? Report

Add photo comments
POST
brandygrote avatar
Brandy Grote
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my house is in the border of very loud and very quiet. I can hear trains, a freeway, coyote howls, and owls hooting.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Out Of Service Railways

Out Of Service Railways

Andrew Grigg/ Report

Add photo comments
POST
khairunisaasyikinnoordin avatar
nanashi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

for a large country like America, why is there no push for investing on high speed trains to cross the states?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

The U.S. Mapped By Residents’ Desire To Move To A Different State

The U.S. Mapped By Residents’ Desire To Move To A Different State

reddit.com Report

#20

Use Of The Word "Dang" Across The Continental US

Use Of The Word "Dang" Across The Continental US

AJgloe Report

#21

How America Utilizes Its Land

How America Utilizes Its Land

reddit.com Report

#22

Percentage Of People Born Outside The U.S. In Each State

Percentage Of People Born Outside The U.S. In Each State

reddit.com Report

#23

Regions Of The U.S. That Don't Officially Celebrate Christopher Columbus Day

Regions Of The U.S. That Don't Officially Celebrate Christopher Columbus Day

reddit.com Report

#25

Map Of Lowest Recorded Temperature In Each Us State (Fahrenheit)

Map Of Lowest Recorded Temperature In Each Us State (Fahrenheit)

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
dach0813 avatar
Meechelle Reha
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is Hilarious to me, my ex-husband was raised in Alaska from 7 year's old until 22 year's old & heard a ton of weather stories 😅 😄 😂 😆 🙃 🤣 😅 😄 I've been there 4 time's but alway's in summer though!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Light Pollution In The United States

Light Pollution In The United States

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#27

Air Traffic Control Zones In The USA

Air Traffic Control Zones In The USA

reddit.com Report

#28

U.S. Education Spending Map

U.S. Education Spending Map

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Explains why so many US citizens show a heartbreaking ignorance and why a guy like Trump could become president.

mentummike avatar
Michael Hartman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Funny you should say that, Trump was the winner in two states where education investment is far above average, kind of blows that theory.

Load More Replies...
pamjb77 avatar
Pam Bechtold
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Money spent doesn’t determine quality. NY spends a boatload of $ on education but has some of the worst performing school districts

sterrinarnold avatar
Sterrinatu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of these days we'll get a clue and start valuing our education more than entertainment. I hope......

lizzlor avatar
Lizz Lor
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This doesn't account for cost of living differentials...NY doesn't have the best public schools in the country it just costs a lot...in fact it isn't even in the top 10...meanwhile Northern WI is largely green but part of that is increased student transportation costs....same with West Texas...Florida meanwhile is in the top 10 for best public education but spends below average.

seniors-mocking-0z avatar
Jeff Butcher
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

IHow exactly are you judging your education numbers? A popular way is by SAT scores. FL is ranked 41th out of 48 states. Well below CA at 21. Even Texas which didn’t exactly have scores to yell Yee Haw had much better scores. Texas!! You did beat out West Virginia which is known more for incest than any resemblance of an education system.

Load More Replies...
amw8126 avatar
AMW
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's not forget that education and intelligence are often two different issues....

heemskerkrene avatar
René Heemskerk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And ignorance is at the base of most of the problems on our planet

meghanhibicke avatar
Evil Little Thing
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I grew up in one of the red zones. It was terrible. Raising my son in a green zone.

kharper3 avatar
Kendrick Harper
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d really like to see this compared to SAT scores to demonstrate if funding equates to smarter people. So often those who advocate for reduced federal spending are accused of being anti-education. Does the data show correlation?

babawonga avatar
Gary Lane
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

More money does not equate to higher test scores or a higher education. All of the information is available through the NCES.

Load More Replies...
j74tall avatar
Josh Tall
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But what they don't show is the number of billionaire owned business that do not pay property taxes, and thus help the huge disparity in school funding!

stefaniepatterson avatar
babawonga avatar
Gary Lane
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thinking spending equates to quality education is something most uneducated people would assume. If you compare New York, a blue state with the nations highest spending per student, with Kentucky, a red state with consistently lower spending per student, then by your assumption students in New York should be much better educated. However, students from Kentucky outperform New York students on testing in both Language and Math. Alaska spends the second most on education and is second to last on education ranking. Money does not mean a quality education.

Load More Replies...
dontlook avatar
Don't Look
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah Utah (and NC and like four other states). Land of home schooling. Also land of "at least we aren't mississippi." Meanwhile, Huntsville AL - such a problem with public schooling that they are actually breaking laws and have little to no choice. Yet they import engineers, scientists and other highly educated people because years ago the government decided to make it the city of defense spending. Because they cannot produce an educated population.

catherinemontang avatar
BlackLabOwner
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i go to a private school 6th grade and i can easily out do a 9th grader in a public school so please fix the map

johnfrye_1 avatar
John F
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The US spent an average of $16,268 a year per student, well above the global average of $10,759. We spend more per student than any other country and get poor results.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the worst things in the US is that schools are funded by property taxes in an area. So if you live in a wealthy area with expensive homes, your schools are really well funded. If you live in a poor or rundown area, with low house ownership and lost cost buildings, your schools are badly funded. So even your basic education in the USA is completely dependent on personal wealth.

gmaland avatar
Greg Maland
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd be very interested in exactly how this data was "adjusted for regional differences".

dancer5224 avatar
c Fuller
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

its hard to educate your own citizens when Mexico has a special bridge into each sister city for their children, who pay no taxes to support their educations, can come to school on Americans tax dollars. Don't criticize unless you have a solution. And you'll notice those cities with poor showings also are Sanctuary Cities

bill_case avatar
Bill Case
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd like to see a graphic that depicts this information and the correlation with how well the K-12 students do. Probably can't use standardized tests as so many areas teach to those tests. Surprised how poorly northern Utah (which includes Salt Lake City) does.

fletcherdaniels avatar
Fletcher Daniels
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's always an idiot with a name like "WilvanderHeijden" to draw the conclusion the map is clearly trying to communicate. Simpletons and midwits...who think they're educated... Hey Wilvander, does money = education? Because that's a f*****g stupid thing to think.

jenniearcheo avatar
Jennifer Cosham
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd be interested to see the spending proportional to average salary in that district. Does it mean that New York has to spend more because it costs so much to live there that you have to pay them more to live near the school, or that they're more invested in their children's education? It makes a difference.

crh_62462 avatar
bzap724 avatar
Ms Phit
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or at least recognize when the education you're getting isn't working...then find the path that's right for the student.

Load More Replies...
bjacox avatar
Brian Jacox
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Money spent on education does not automatically equate to quality of said education.

pusheenbuttercup avatar
pusheen buttercup
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Though I DO believe more money should get sent to education, I also believe that money should be spent more efficiently and that more money does not always mean better education. I have felt for a while that our system could use some restructuring... but that's no easy task.

mcilwainh avatar
Heather McIlwain
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It parent who need to value getting an education and input that into their children . No money will help until parents encourage their children to pay attention and exhibit good manners

Load More Replies...
raincloudsradio avatar
Rainclouds Radio
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So un-even. You need federal funding or failing that state funding- not local

benicia_99 avatar
Azure Adams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Utah is full of idiots... just look at the lack of school money

babawonga avatar
Gary Lane
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then New York must be full of geniuses. No wait, their students rank below average nationally. Even lower than Utah!

Load More Replies...
nashamagirl avatar
dizasterdeb avatar
laugh avatar
Laugh or not
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is that by year (already low) or the entire primary school periode (scarily low)?

johnny_farnen avatar
BeazleBug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This correlates to population density. Has nothing to do with politics.

meyerweinstock avatar
Meyer Weinstock
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dissent. It may be part of it, but not the most. How do you balance underpopulated West Texas with densely-populated New York? It has more to do with political spine vs. socio-cultural mindsets, and locally mandated ceilings on spending-per-pupil, while maintaining federal mandates for reporting, and persons hired for reporting (which is why the most populous parts of CA are orange, not green, despite huge budgets). Having taught in CA, OR, & TX, and elected to a CA school board, I have seen both sides. As a teacher and taxpayer, the taxes spent could be more adequately distributed down to the classroom level, however, unless the people see benefit in advanced public education, the knowledge and skill levels of future generations are at risk. -Rev Dr M, retired trustee/teacher

Load More Replies...
leoh avatar
meghanhibicke avatar
Evil Little Thing
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1) School funding is largely determined at the local level, and 2) those orange areas are mostly rural areas run by Republicans.

Load More Replies...
jim_granger avatar
Jim Granger
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is sad is iowa used to have one of the best education systems in the U.S. back in the 50's 60's, and 70's then conservatives started getting elected enmasse to state houses and school boards. Now they are not doing as well as in the past. Conservative states WANT their populations under educated to keep themselves in office. The under educated are more likely to believe the scare stories that the right likes using to stir up the poor and under educated.

mcilwainh avatar
Heather McIlwain
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The left are scarier they seems to think money thrown at education has better outcomes. When it’s the value parentS input into their children to value or get the most out of their education

Load More Replies...
jevais avatar
jevais
Community Member
3 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Keep voting for only two political parties, they haven't changed anything for the past 401 years! Civil rights are still being baffled for the minorities. Once one has been charged with a prison sentence they lose all their rights. Minorities are the ones that fill the prisons in America so not great. Lack of proper housing, education, health plan for all, arms that are solde like they were kleenex, of course USA never was great. You can not build a nation with human blood and hope that it will be Great.

stefaniepatterson avatar
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Portion Of Each State That Is Federal Land

Portion Of Each State That Is Federal Land

reddit.com Report

#33

All U.S. Counties With In-N-Out Burger As Of May 2020

All U.S. Counties With In-N-Out Burger As Of May 2020

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
troux avatar
Troux
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks for posting this. I keep hearing this name and have never seen one.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

Date Of Creation Of All 3,142 U.S. Counties

Date Of Creation Of All 3,142 U.S. Counties

reddit.com Report

#36

US Governors By Eye Color

US Governors By Eye Color

reddit.com Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#37

Voters Who Didn't Vote For Hillary Or Trump

Voters Who Didn't Vote For Hillary Or Trump

reddit.com Report

#39

Results Of The 1984 United States Presidential Election By County. The Most Lopsided Election In History, The Only State Reagan Failed To Win Was His Opponent’s, Minnesota

Results Of The 1984 United States Presidential Election By County. The Most Lopsided Election In History, The Only State Reagan Failed To Win Was His Opponent’s, Minnesota

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
kevin-donegan avatar
Kevin Donegan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In reverse, this must be the outcome of the 2020 election. Trump is setting up the "corrupt election" playbook so that when he loses, he can claim the election was fraudulent. We need to do the same thing Reagan did and OVERWHELMINGLY vote the morbidly obese pathological lying vindictive narcissistic imbecile with the emotional maturity of a toddler (AKA tRump) out of office.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

US Counties With Gdp Over $100b

US Counties With Gdp Over $100b

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
davenyc88 avatar
Dave P
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

um where are the five counties that make up NYC, all five have GDP's over 100B on their own

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu