Fun with maps

I've always loved this map, demonstrating the population density of the US. I downloaded this from the US Census website, which has a lot of interesting demographic maps.

This map really shows just how sparse much of the western US is (one dot = 7500 people). Playing with Photoshop's distort tool, I overlaid the next map onto this one.

This is Tornado Alley and "Dixie Alley" from NCDC
Many states have 25-30% obesity (BMI > 30) rates, with those in Tornado Alley and Dixie Alley leading the way.


And finally, an interesting US map showing the distribution of religious affiliation.

Not that there is any causal relationship between these data sets. It is fun to look through this stuff though.