Choropleth maps and scattergrams (scatter diagrams) provide a way for teachers to use available statistics from census tracts to map area differences among neighborhoods. This document describes and illustrates a method of constructing and comparing choropleth maps for selected Iowa communities. The use and construction of scatter diagrams as a supplement to map comparison is also discussed. The choropleth map uses different shaded area symbols (normally ranging from black to light grey) to show distributional patterns. Selected colors should be within the same family, such as brown, red, orange, and yellow. Steps in constructing the map are to: (1) determine the area unit to be used; (2) select the statistics to be mapped; (3) select an appropriate categorization method such as quantile method or equal interval method; (4) group the statistics into four or five classes; and (5) use the darkest symbols for areas with greater magnitude. A method of visually showing the relationship between two variables for a selected number of observations is the scattergram which also can be easily constructed. The document concludes with a listing of statistical sources for mapping local areas. (SM)