University of Lethbridge
Department of Geography
Geography 1200 – Introduction to Human Geography
Assignment: Population Distribution and Dynamics in Alberta, 2001-2006
This goal of this assignment is to explore the spatial distribution of population in Alberta, to
examine rates of population growth in different census divisions in the province and to gain
experience in the use and interpretation of different types of thematic maps. The assignment has
three components:
 Using census data, to map population density for census divisions using a dot map,
 Using census data, to map population growth using choropleth maps with two different
class intervals, and
 To write a short report which describes your goal and methods and draws some
conclusions based on the patterns revealed by your maps.
We shall access data from the 2006 Census of Population using E-Stat, a free service provided to
students by Statistics Canada. The data we shall select includes 2001 population and 2001-2006
percentage growth rates for census divisions in Alberta. A census division is a spatial unit
created by Statistics Canada to include neighbouring municipalities which are joined together for
the purposes of regional planning and managing common services.
Step I: Accessing Statistics Canada Data & Mapping E-Stat Data
Statistics Canada makes its data available to Canadian students at no charge through E-stat that
you can only access through the University of Lethbridge Library.
1. Go to the U of L homepage, then select library under the “Academics” category. Hover
the arrow over “Academics” to access the drop down menu
2. Once there, click on Web Resources, then Government Information,
3. Select E-Stat under the heading of “Indexes/Databases”. Click on Connect at the right
side of the E-Stat row* and then Accept and Enter once the StatsCan Page opens.
4. Under Information for Students, select and click on Search Censuses, select the 2006
Census and click on Go.
5. Select 2006 Census of Population (Provinces, Census Divisions, Municipalities) and
click on Go.
*Note: If accessing E-Stat from off campus, you will have to enter your U of L username &
password to reach the E-Stat page.
A: Mapping Population Density Using E-Stat
6. Select 2006 Cumulative Profile and click on Go.
7. Step 1: Click on the arrow to the right of “Select Provinces and Territories” and select
“Provinces and Territories by census division --- 2006 - Alta”
8. Step 2: Select “Population 2006 – 100% data”
9. Step 3: Choose an output format, Select Screen output - Map
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University of Lethbridge
Department of Geography
10. Click on Retrieve now
11. Change the default proportional circle map to a dot map; scroll down and select medium
dots where each dot represents 1,000 people (Dot value:1000).
12. Right click and copy the map into a word document. Label the map as Figure 1: Dot map
showing population density of Alberta, 2006 and give the source.
B. Mapping population growth using E-Stat
Access the E-Stat page as above and go to
12. Select 2006 Cumulative Profile and click on Go.
13. Step 1: Click on the arrow to the right of “Select Provinces and Territories” and select
“Provinces and Territories by census division --- 2006 - Alta”
14. Step 2: Select “Population percentage change, 2001-2006”
15. Step 3: Choose an output format, Select Screen output – Map
16. Click on Retrieve now
17. Change the proportional circle map to a choropleth map, accept the full colour, equal
interval default settings.
18. Right click and copy the map into a word document. Label the map as Figure 2: Equal
interval choropleth showing population growth in Alberta, 2001-2006 and give the
source.
19. Let’s try a simpler choropleth to see if we can use less information to reveal more. Click
on “Specify intervals” and for insert 4 for the “number of classes.” Specify 0, 10, & 20
which means that you will have four percentage population growth rate intervals: <0, 010, 10-20, 20+
20. Right click and copy the map into a word document. Label the map as Figure 3: Four
class choropleth showing population growth in Alberta, 2001-2006 and give the source.
Step II - Data Analysis
Using your atlas to identify places on the map, study the patterns revealed by the maps you have
created. . What regions are growing fastest in Alberta? Which regions are growing slowly or are
actually contracting in terms of population? Is there an association between census division
density and census division population growth? Are the densest areas growing quickly or
slowly? How did the most sparsely population regions of Alberta fare between 2001 and 2006?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dot maps and choropleth maps as thematic map
types?
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University of Lethbridge
Department of Geography
Step III - Writing-up Your Results
Organize your report (1,000 words maximum) under the following four headings:
1. Introduction
Statement of your goal and an indication of its importance and context.
2. Discussion of Data and Methods
Very briefly, explain where you obtained the data and how you have displayed the data to reveal
recent patterns in Alberta’s population distribution and recent regional growth rates.
3 . The body of your paper should describe what you have observed and concluded based on
your analysis of the maps and your answers to the questions posed in the Data Analysis section
above.
4. A very brief conclusion which summarizes what you have achieved.
Your assignment (typed double-spaced essay with three embedded maps) is due at the start of
class on March 22. A 10% per weekday penalty will be levied for assignments submitted after
the due date. Collaboration may be an effective part of your learning process but please be sure
that the work you submit is truly yours. The student discipline policy will be applied in cases of
plagiarism. Please see the Calendar, pp. 80-82.
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