Symbolization and Classification

1) Large-scale maps might have more point and line symbols, while small-scale maps might have more polygon symbols.  Generally, as the scale increases, more detailed symbolization is possible. 

2) To change a layer symbol's colors, either left-click or right-click the layer symbol in the table of contents to open up a (different) color palette and select a color, or double-click the layer to open up the layer properties, and under the symbology tab, change the color ramp.

3) To open the graduated symbols classification option, double-click the layer to open the layer properties.  Next, open the symbology tab, and under the show menu, select quantities.  Then select graduated symbols.

4) Other symbology styles include Public Signs, Real Estate, Survey, Transportation, and Utilities.

5) It is possible to permanently save layer symbology for later use by creating a layer file of the symbology.

6) Pyramids improve the raster dataset drawing speed by displaying the raster dataset at coarse resolution when zoomed out and at fine resolution when zoomed in.

7) To change the layer name, simply select the layer, then click the layer name once, and type in the new name.

8) Normalization is dividing one attribute by another in the symbology tab of the layer properties.  For example, normalizing population by area will express population density in the range column.

9) The dots on dot density maps are random, so they might not show the actual geographic distribution of density.  For example, a population dot density map of Africa would show dots scattered throughout Egypt, when most of Egypt's population density is along the Nile River.