3.3.1.5. Flow Maps/Charts

Flow chart is a combination of graph and map. It is drawn to show the flow of commodities or people between the places of origin and destination. It is also called Dynamic Map. Transport map, which shows the number of passengers, vehicles, etc., is the best example of a flow chart.

A flow chart visually represents information about the movement of goods or people. It combines elements of both graphs and maps to illustrate how items or individuals travel from one point to another. For example, train schedules showing how many passengers travel between stations can be presented as a flow map.

Think of a busy highway where cars travel between cities. A flow map can show the number of cars moving from City A to City B, helping one understand traffic patterns, similar to how a subway map indicates the flow of people commuting.

These charts are drawn using lines of proportional width. Many government agencies prepare flow maps to show density of the means of transportation on different routes. The flow maps/charts are generally drawn to represent two main types of data: 1. The number and frequency of the vehicles as per the direction of their movement 2. The number of the passengers and/or the quantity of goods transported.

Flow maps utilize lines of varying thickness to indicate the volume of movement. Thicker lines represent a higher number of vehicles or passengers, while thinner lines indicate fewer. This method allows viewers to quickly gauge where the highest volumes of traffic or goods transport occur.

Imagine a river where different sizes of streams flow into it. A wider stream indicates a larger amount of water, just as a thicker line on a flow chart indicates more traffic or goods. This visualization helps in understanding transportation dynamics in an area.

1. A route map depicting the desired transport routes along with the connecting stations. 2. The data pertaining to the flow of goods, services, number of vehicles, etc., along with the point of origin and destination of the movements. 3. The selection of a scale through which the data related to the quantity of passengers and goods or the number of vehicles is to be represented.

To create an effective flow map, certain components are necessary: a base map showing transport routes, accurate data representing flows, and a scale indicating quantities. For instance, if a flow chart represents train traffic, the routes between train stations must be clearly laid out, alongside data showing how many trains run on these routes.

Think of organizing a music festival. You’d need a map showing stages (routes), data on ticket sales (number of attendees), and how to design the layout to efficiently guide people from one stage to another. Similarly, the flow map guides users through different transportation routes.

Example: Construct a flow map to represent the number of trains running in Delhi and the adjoining areas as given in the Table of train routes. 1. Take an outline map of Delhi and adjoining areas, in which railway line and the nodal stations are depicted. 2. Select a scale to represent the number of trains. 3. Plot the thickness of each strip of route between the given rail route. 4. Draw a terraced scale as legend and choose distinct sign or symbol to show the nodal points (stations) within the strip.

Creating a flow map involves several steps. First, start with an outline of the area showing the essential transport routes. Use data, like train counts, to determine line thickness on the map. This visually emphasizes the busiest routes. Then, add a legend to help users understand the meaning behind the line thickness and symbols used.

Imagine creating a detailed plan for a city tour. You’d map out important landmarks, use different colors or line widths to show how popular each site is among tourists, and provide a key to help navigate. A flow map serves a similar function, illustrating transport flows instead of tourist spots.

Example: Construct a water flow map of Ganga Basin as shown in the construction guidelines, where the thickness of lines represents the flow of water. 1. Take a scale as a strip of 1cm width = 50,000 cusecs of water. 2. Make the diagram to reflect water flow accurately.

To construct a flow map representing the Ganga Basin's water flow, start by selecting a scale that correlates line thickness with water volume. Thicker lines on the map will indicate areas with greater water flow, allowing viewers to understand where the river’s water is concentrated.

Similar to using a garden hose to water plants, where using higher capacity handles greater flow, the flow map translates that analogy to river systems. By varying line thickness as per water flow, one can visually grasp the differences in water distribution across the Ganga Basin.

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