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USA map with all states

4 messages · Edna Bell, Jim Lemon, Greg Snow

Original
Edna Bell
# 
Hi R Gurus!

There was a function in S called "usa()" which would plot the US.

I found map('usa') in R for the lower 48 states.  Is there a way to
include Alaska and Hawaii as well, please?

Thanks,
Edna Bell
Jim Lemon
#
Edna Bell wrote:
Hi Edna,
This is not a great plot, but it sort of does what you want.

library(maps)
data(worldMapEnv)
data(stateMapEnv)
layout(matrix(c(1,2),ncol=2),widths=c(1,3))
map("world",xlim=c(-170,-140),ylim=c(10,80))
map("state")

Jim
Jim Lemon
# 
Hi again Edna,

Just remembered that you should probably use a wide device.

x11(width=10,height=7)

Jim
Greg Snow
# 
What are you trying to accomplish with this map?

Realize that if you include Alaska and Hawaii in their actual locations
using common projections, then some states will be pretty much lost due
to scale and position.  If you are trying to show actual geographic
locations relative to the states, then this is appropriate (but the
effectiveness can depend greatly on choice of projection).

If on the other hand, you want to color the states or include other
graphics and just need the map for visual reference (general location,
neighbors, etc.) then you may want to use a different type of map.

The state.vbm map in the TeachingDemos package works with the maptools
and sp packages to draw a Visibility Based Map (originally created by
Mark Monmonier) that gives a map with the general shape and locations of
the states (including Alaska and Hawaii in the lower left, not their
actual locations), but with small states made larger and large states
made smaller so that they have similar visual impact.  See the help on
state.vbm for more detail, examples, and links to further resources.

Hope this helps,