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Brief Notes on Analytical Theme Maps

Introduction

Using the digital atlas thematic maps various analyses has been done and a
suggestion has been given. There are various thematic maps at district and block

level, so that researchers, planners, and officers can use these layers for the
development at purpose. The planners can suggest the hidden resources, and select the

suitable area for development. Few such analytical thematic map plates has been

developed as example by using the digital atlas theme maps with the help of GIS
techniques in order to derive suitable planning strategies. In fact these thematic map

plates has been developed at different levels such as inter district, district, intra

district, and at block levels, according to the aim and area of the study. Accordingly
there are 16 analytical theme maps (with plate code Nos. ATM.01 – 16 as cited

below) which were selectively chosen and presented in the Digital atlas. Likewise the
digital atlas theme maps can be utilized by the planners and researchers for their own

study.

Plate No ATM.01

Using the Digital Atlas Thematic maps the dimension of Utility Services for
Madurai Region is analyzed. The attribute data for the three district namely Madurai,

Theni, Dindigul constituting 35 blocks has been used for this study. Various thematic
layers such as Total Population and Transport facility, Educational Facility, and

Medical Facility are used. The relationship between all these 29 variables has been
analysed using correlation. The data is reduced by factor analysis and the regression

model is created to describe the relationship between the independent and dependent

variable. The residuals resulting from the regression model has been utilized to map
the disparities in the spatial pattern of the distribution of utility services. It is evident

that Cumbam block of Theni District comes under in the un-served block, whereas 9
blocks of Dindigul District, 6 Blocks of Madurai District and 4 Blocks of Theni

district come under the category of under-served. Later two of the above categories
have negative regression residuals. 5 Blocks of Madurai District, 3 blocks of Theni

District and 5 blocks of Dindigul district comes under the category of moderately

served. Well served blocks are only two in number namely the Thirumangalam and
Thirupparangundram of Madurai District of the present study area. From the