Which type of map fills ranges of similar values with similar colors or patterns?

The correct response is that a choropleth map fills ranges of similar values with similar colors or patterns. This kind of map is specifically designed to illustrate variations in data across different regions by assigning colors to predefined data ranges. For instance, a choropleth map could depict population density, income levels, or other statistical information, where areas with similar characteristics are shaded or colored in a comparable manner to promote visual understanding of the data distribution.

Choropleth mapping is particularly effective for representing specific themes and making it easier to identify patterns, trends, or anomalies within the data at a glance. By grouping data into intervals and mapping those intervals with a color gradient, it facilitates quick comparisons between different geographic regions.

Isarithmic maps, on the other hand, use continuous lines or gradients to connect points of equal value, often employed for representing phenomena like temperature or elevation. Proportional symbol maps employ symbols of varied sizes to convey the magnitude of a phenomenon, providing another visual method for data representation but not specifically focusing on ranges of similar values. Thematic maps are broader in scope, covering any map that emphasizes a particular theme or subject rather than strictly categorizing using color gradients.