# dots on maps

[Bryan Simon]

Other issues that should perhaps be discussed are the most efficient way of
communicating distributions on maps.  Should it be by dots, and if so what
size should the dots be?  The Flora of Australia has 15 distribution maps to
a page and the size of the dots used in recent editions of the Flora has the
standard dot equivalent to about 100 kms diam.  Any smaller may be more
accurate but less effective as a means of showing the distribution.  Some
maps in earlier volumes showed distribution in the form of blocked areas and
at the scale being used is perhaps just as meaningful as dot maps.

Ideally it would be nice if mapping programs (such as MapInfo) could use the
same flora distribution data to zoom in on distributions as the scale became
smaller. Theoretically it could then be possible to fine-tune the
distribution patterns of individual collections within the area of a 100 km
wide dot.  This geographic and spatial data could then presumably be
able to link up with on-line interactive identification and information
retrieval programs.