Question:  Why are there problems with the layout in the state micromap plots?


Answer:  

   This is one of the times when I really miss Splus.  
   When the R windows() documention says that the width argument is nominal
   (in name only) that is what it means.   

   The windows() version of statemicromaps may look really bad
   depending on your monitor resolution setting. There is a windows
   height limitation and windws() expects you to tell it the
   pixels per inch for your monitor setting.
   The argments are xpinch= and ypinch= .  
   I am not yet convinced this is working correctly.

   The examples look fine using my typical monitor resolution settings.
   I can lower the resolution and make them look bad.

   
A simple fix:

  
   The pdf() version uses the width and height as specified.
   Uncomment the pdf() and dev.off() lines
   Comment out the windows()line
   This applies to the other state micromap examples.

   The main drawback of using pdf() is the delay in seeing
   the output. Bring up the pdf files is a nuisance when
   experimenting with cosmetic changes.


   Also note that R may not want to write out a pdf file when
   you close the device with dev.off() if the existing file
   in open in an Acrobat reader.    

A possible fix: 
   Increase your monitors resolution setting.