George F. Jenks

[1][2][3] With a career spanning over three decades, Jenks played a vital role in advancing map-making technologies, was instrumental in enhancing the visualization of spatial data, and played foundational roles in developing modern cartographic curricula.

[1][3][7] Jenks joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1941 after graduating with his bachelor's degree.

[3][8][9] Here, Jenks would grow the cartography program within the University of Kansas department of geography into one of the most influential in the country.

[3][8] Throughout his career, Jenks advocated for improved curriculums for cartographers and a greater focus on the science of applied mapping.

[7][9] While Jenks publications and research were highly influential, he is noted to have focused much of his energy on helping his graduate students.

[8][1] These students carried his influence into other geography departments across the United States, shaping how cartographic training is accomplished.

It is the default method for dividing classes in thematic maps such as choropleths in Esri software, such as ArcGIS.