What is a thematic map? 9 Types of Thematic Maps

A choropleth map (also called a color theme) is a thematic map in which points, lines or areas are shaded to represent different data values. In a typical example, administrative areas are colored or shaded according to the range in which the aggregated statistic of interest falls.

Choropleth maps are often confused with heat maps. A choropleth map represents distinct data values for geographic features such as states, counties, or postal codes. A heat map shows a continuous representation of density using grid cells. A location that is "hot" and colored red in a heat map could be between and encompass geographic features such as high sales location points.

A heat map is used to visualize and analyze point data by transforming the points into a density grid. Each resulting grid cell is assigned a value that is determined by the proximity of nearby points, optionally weighting each point using a weighting value. Heat maps use color palettes that represent the values from low to high. Heat maps are often confused with choropleth maps, but a heat map does not conform to geographic locations such as states, counties, postal codes, or land parcels.

A size theme (also called a scaled-symbol or graduated-symbol theme) is a type of thematic map that uses symbols of different sizes or lines of different widths to show the value of a data field. Features that have a greater value for the chosen field will be shown larger or with a greater width.

Pie and bar chart themes are a type of thematic map that use pie or bar charts on map features to illustrate the data that go with each feature.

A dot-density map is a type of thematic map that uses dots or other symbols on the map to show the values of one or more numeric data fields. Each dot on a dot-density map represents some amount of data.

In a dot-density map, areas with many dots indicate high concentrations of values for the chosen field and fewer dots indicate lower concentrations.

A prism map is a three-dimensional thematic map that uses prisms to show the relative values of a data field where higher prisms indicate areas with higher values.

A cluster map (also known as a bubble map) is a type of thematic map that uses clusters of symbols or bubbles to represent and analyze spatial patterns in point data. Each cluster or bubble represents a grouping of items based on proximity and often varies in size to reflect the quantity or magnitude of the data within that group.

To create a cluster map, spatial data points are aggregated based on their proximity to one another. As the user zooms in, the clusters break apart to reveal smaller clusters or individual points. Conversely, zooming out combines points into larger clusters. The visual representation typically involves varying the size of the bubbles to indicate the number of points they contain.

A cartogram is a map that is rehsaped to represent data such as population demographics, business data, or natural phenomena. In the map below, for example, the sizes of the states represent the total number of African Americans.

A bivariate map is a type of thematic map that displays two variables by using different colors and/or symbols. The variables in a bivariate map can be on the same layer or separate layers.

Thematic maps are used by a wide range of people for a variety of purposes. Some common users of thematic maps include:

• Geographers and cartographers to study patterns and trends in geographic data, such as population density, migration, or land use
• Government agencies to plan and make decisions about infrastructure, resource management, and public policy.
• Businesses to analyze market trends and make business decisions, such as identifying potential customers or choosing new locations for stores or offices
• Environmental organizations to monitor and protect natural resources such as forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.
• Educators to teach students about geography and spatial data analysis

Overall, thematic maps are used by anyone who needs to understand and visualize geographic data in order to make informed decisions or communicate information to others

Reading a thematic map involves understanding the meaning of the symbols, colors, and other visual elements used on the map. Here are some steps to follow when reading a thematic map:

1. Look at the title: The title of the map should give you an idea of what the map is showing and the area it covers.
2. Examine the legend: The legend is a key that explains the symbols and colors used on the map. It should tell you what each symbol or color represents.
3. Identify the map's projection: The projection is the way the map represents the curved surface of the earth on a flat piece of paper. Different projections can affect the way the map looks and the distances and shapes shown on it.
4. Look at the scale: The scale is a numerical representation of the size of the map relative to the actual size of the area it represents. The scale will help you understand the distances shown on the map.
5. Examine the data: Look at the map and identify the patterns and trends shown by the data. Pay attention to the symbols and colors used on the map and refer back to the legend if you are not sure what they mean.
6. Interpret the data: Use the information on the map to draw conclusions and make interpretations about the data it represents.

the main difference between a thematic map and a physical map is the type of information they represent. Thematic maps focus on a specific theme or subject such as demographic or business characteristics. Physical maps show the physical features of an area, such as mountains, rivers, lakes, and coastlines.

There are a few steps you can follow to create a thematic map in Excel:

1. Collect and organize your data: Begin by gathering the data you want to represent on your map.
2. Choose a map type: Decide which type of thematic map you want to create, such as a choropleth map or a proportional symbol map.
3. Prepare your data for mapping: Make sure your data is in a format that can be used to create a map. This may involve cleaning or formatting the data, or creating new columns or calculations.
4. Create a base map: Use a tool such as Google Maps or a GIS software such as Maptitude mapping software to create a base map of the area you want to represent.
5. Add your data to the map: Use the Excel mapping features to add your data to the map. You can use features such as data labels, colors, and symbols to represent your data on the map.
6. Customize your map: Use the formatting and styling options to suit your needs, such as by changing the colors, fonts, or symbols used to represent the data.

There are many types of thematic maps, which are maps that are designed to illustrate a specific theme or subject.

The top five types of thematic maps are:

• Population density maps: These maps show the distribution of population within a given area. They can be used to visualize the distribution of population density across a city, state, or country.
• Climate maps: These maps illustrate the distribution of temperature, precipitation, and other climatic variables across a given area. They can be used to understand the local climate and how it varies over time.
• Land use maps: These maps show the different types of land uses in an area, such as residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial. They can be used to understand the patterns of land use and how they may impact the environment or the economy.
• Elevation maps: These maps show the elevation of different parts of the land surface. They can be used to understand the topography of an area and how it may affect the local climate or vegetation.
• Political maps: These maps show the boundaries of different political entities, such as countries, states, and provinces. They can be used to understand the political divisions of a region and how they relate to one another.

Yes, political maps are a type of thematic map. Thematic maps are maps that are designed to illustrate a specific theme or subject, and political maps are a type of thematic map that show the boundaries of different political entities, such as countries, states, provinces, and other administrative divisions.

Political maps can be used to understand the political divisions of a region and how they relate to one another. They can also be used to show the location of important political features, such as capital cities and major cities.

Political maps can be created at different scales, from global maps that show the entire world to more detailed maps that show the political divisions of a specific country or region. Political maps can be useful for a variety of purposes, including studying geography, understanding the political landscape of a region, and supporting decision-making in areas such as business, politics, and diplomacy.

Topographic maps are a type of thematic map that depict the three-dimensional shape and surface features of the earth's surface. They are used to represent the natural and man-made features of an area, such as mountains, valleys, rivers, roads, and buildings.

Topographic maps are produced by government agencies and are used for a variety of purposes, including land-use planning, resource management, and recreational activities such as hiking and fishing. They are often used in conjunction with other types of thematic maps, such as maps showing vegetation or land cover, to provide a more complete picture of an area.

Topographic maps use contour lines to show the elevation of the land surface. The contour lines are spaced at regular intervals, usually in feet or meters, and are used to show the slope of the land. The closer the contour lines are together, the steeper the slope. Topographic maps also include a legend that explains the symbols and colors used on the map.