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DEFINITION

What is a thematic map? 8 Types of Thematic Maps

15 December 2023

A thematic map is a map created to display information about a topic or theme. Themes can be shown with a choropleth (color), heat map, sizes, charts, dot-densities, three-dimensional prisms, cluster (bubble), or cartogram.

What is a thematic map/Thematic map definition: Sample Maptitude map showing color and chart themes to illustrate changes in information among locations

This thematic map uses a color theme (heat map) to illustrate the median home value in ZIP Codes around San Diego. ZIP Codes shown with a darker color have higher home values. This map also uses a chart theme to illustrate housing tenure. The size of the pie chart indicates the total number of housing units in the ZIP Code, and the pie pieces show the share of owner-occupied vs. renter occupied.

In this article:

Types of Thematic Map

In some kinds of thematic maps, the appearance of each feature is based on its characteristics. In other types of thematic maps, charts or symbols on each feature illustrate comparative information. When data are portrayed in a thematic map, the information becomes easier to see, understand, and interpret.

Thematic mapping software - color theme

Choropleth Theme

Thematic mapping software - symbol theme

Symbol Theme

Thematic mapping software - dot-density theme

Dot-Density Theme

Thematic mapping software - chart theme

Chart Theme

Thematic mapping software - size theme

Proportional Symbol/Size Theme

Thematic mapping software - 3D theme

3D Theme

Deciding Which Type of Theme to Use

Thematic maps illustrate the characteristics of map features, so that the characteristics are easy to see and understand. A map theme is a styling of map features according to the values of one or more data fields. Choosing the correct theme can be tricky. The table below helps you choose the correct tool for the data you are using.

If your data contain... For example... Then you should...
Counts or amounts Population, Sales Use any kind of theme
Percentages, ratios, or averages Mean Income, Percent Hispanic Avoid dot-density themes
Negative numbers Change in Population Use color or symbol themes
Non-numeric information Zoning, Sales Territory Use color or symbol themes

GIS Software for Creating Thematic Maps

Maptitude Mapping Software gives you all of the tools, maps, and data you need to analyze and understand how geography affects you and your business. Create informative color, chart, scaled-symbol, prism, heat, and dot-density thematic maps that show the characteristics of your area of interest.

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Thematic Mapping Software Reviews

Nick Nicholas

“Maptitude has a wealth of analytical features that satisfy my ongoing needs in the area of demographic analysis. Regular in the business/demographic sphere include thematic mapping, route planning, territory design, trade area analysis and location/allocation modelling.”

  Nich Nicholas
Sydney, Australia
John Miglautsch

“I've made tons of use of the themes (you can color the maps with backgrounds based on the included geodemographics). I've also used the band feature - retailers LOVE it. I recommend it ALL THE TIME!

   John Miglautsch
Hartland, Wisconsin
Brett Lucas

“All of the tools you need to do spatial analysis are included in the software at the base price. No need to pay for costly add-ons or extensions. This includes state, county, MSA, zip code and census tract level line work and data including all 255 Census fields. The user has the ability to do point maps, thematic maps, drive-time rings and advanced spatial and statistical analysis.”

   Brett Lucas
Spokane, Washington
Giuseppe Staiti

Thematic maps are truly unique in terms of graphic capabilities and data representation, highly appreciated by customers. With a low cost combined with an excellent training program and support service, Maptitude is an added value for my business!”

   Giuseppe Staiti
Rome, Italy

What is a choropleth map?

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.

What is a choropleth map/choropleth map defintion: choropleth map showing median income by ZIP Code created with Maptitude map software

A choropleth map of quantitative data: This map uses color to illustrate the median income by ZIP Code in Miami, Florida. The darker the color, the higher the median income is in that ZIP Code.

choropleth map of nominal data: this choropleth map shows how each parcel is zoned

A choropleth map of nominal data: This map uses color to illustrate how each parcel is zoned.

Try an interactive choropleth map now!

This interactive choropleth map lets you see the per capita GDP of each U.S. county.

Create your own choropleth maps! Try the full-featured version of Maptitude with a 1-month risk-free trial. No credit card is required

Choropleth Maps:

  1. Best used for: Displaying geographical data by shading or coloring geographic regions according to the value of a particular variable.
  2. Advantages: Easy to interpret, allows for a quick comparison of regions, and can easily be used in conjunction with other mapping techniques.
  3. Disadvantages: Can be subject to misinterpretation, difficult to accurately convey data when regions are very small. But, the Maptitude thematic mapping Wizard makes it easy to correctly create choropleth maps.

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What is a Heat Map?

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.

What is a heat map/heat map defintion: Heat map showing the concentration of auto dealers in Columbus, Ohio

A heat map can illustrate the concentration of stores across a city to help you visualize over and underserved areas.

Heat maps are best used for visualizing data that has a geographical component. They are particularly effective for showing the intensity of a variable across a region. For example, map crime data to find hot spots, map vehicle miles traveled to find areas of congestion and higher air pollution, and analyze the pattern of clients around a store weighted by the cost of their purchases to find areas that are underserved.

Try an interactive heat map now!

This interactive heat map shows where there are larger concentrations of private schools.

Create your own heat maps! Try the full-featured version of Maptitude with a 1-month risk-free trial. No credit card is required

Heat Maps:

  1. Best Used For: Heat maps are best used for visualizing data that has a geographical component. They are particularly effective for showing the intensity of a variable across a region, such as population density or temperature.
  2. Advantages: Heat maps are easy to read and interpret, since they rely on color to convey information. They can quickly show patterns and trends, making them an effective tool for data analysis.
  3. Disadvantages: Heat maps can be difficult to interpret, since color variations can be subtle and hard to distinguish. Additionally, they can be misleading if they are not properly scaled or interpreted. But, the Maptitude thematic mapping Wizard makes it easy to correctly create heat maps.

See also: How do I create a heat map of my locations?

What is a size theme map?

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.

What is a graduated symbol theme: Sample Maptitude map that shows customer locations where larger symbols show customers with higher sales

A point layer of customers with a size theme on the value of sales. Customers with higher sales are shown with a larger symbol.

What is a size theme: Sample Maptitude map that shows highway traffic where highways shown with wider lines have more traffic

A line layer of highways with a size theme on the value of vehicle flow. Highways with more traffic are shown wider than those with less traffic.

Try an interactive size theme map now!

This interactive size theme map lets you see the the locations of hospitals and the number of beds that they have.

Create your own size-theme maps! Try the full-featured version of Maptitude with a 1-month risk-free trial. No credit card is required

Graduated Symbol or Size Maps:

  1. Best Used For: Visualizing data with multiple attributes and showing the distribution of the data over the map.
  2. Advantages: Provides an easy way to visualize data and compare multiple attributes. It is an effective way to show the magnitude of geographic features.
  3. Disadvantages: It can be difficult to distinguish between different attributes and can be difficult to read. It can be difficult to determine the exact values of the data being represented. But, the Maptitude thematic mapping Wizard makes it easy to correctly create size theme maps.

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What are pie and bar chart theme maps?

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.

What is a map chart theme: Sample Maptitude map that uses pie charts to illustrate the characteristics of map features

A pie chart theme where the size of the chart indicates the number of housing units in a Census Tract and the pie wedges indicate the size of the structures that contain those units.

What is a map chart theme: Sample Maptitude map that uses bar charts to illustrate the characteristics of map features

A bar chart theme that shows the number of owner-occupied housing units in each ZIP Code within different value ranges.

Try an interactive chart theme map now!

This interactive chart theme map shows the commute times for workers in each state.

Create your own chart-theme maps! Try the full-featured version of Maptitude with a 1-month risk-free trial. No credit card is required

What is a dot-density map?

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.

What is a dot-density map/Dot-density map definition: Dot-density map of U.S. Hispanic and Non-Hispanic population created with Maptitude map software

This Maptitude dot-density map shows the distribution of the Hispanic and Non-Hispanic population. Each blue dot represents 30,000 Non-Hispanic people and each red dot represents 30,000 Hispanic people. Population dense areas have many dots and less populated areas have fewer dots. Areas with higher Hispanic populations stand out in central California, southern Texas, and southern Florida.

Dot-Density Maps:

  1. Best used for: Displaying population data or other data points with a high density.
  2. Advantages: Easy to interpret, allows for a quick comparison of regions, and can easily be used in conjunction with other mapping techniques.
  3. Disadvantages: Can be subject to misinterpretation, difficult to accurately convey data when regions are very small. But, the Maptitude thematic mapping Wizard makes it easy to correctly create dot-density maps.

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What is a prism map?

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.

What is a prism map/prism map defintion: An example of a prism map where states are depicted as three-dimensional prisms whose heights indicate the median home value

An example of a prism map where states are depicted as three-dimensional prisms whose heights indicate the median home value.

What is a cluster/bubble map?

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.

What is a cluster map/bubble map defintion: An example of a cluster map where customers are combined into large clusters at scales where individual points would be very dense

An example of a cluster map where individual points for all of the customers would be too dense to differentiate so they are combined into clusters based on proximity and the clusters are labeled with the number of customers that they represent

Cluster Maps:

  1. Best Used For: Cluster maps are ideal for visualizing large datasets with numerous individual points, such as locations of businesses, incidents of crime, or occurrences of a particular event. They help to simplify the display by aggregating points into clusters, making it easier to discern patterns and trends at different scales.
  2. Advantages:
    •  Simplifies Complex Data: By clustering points, these maps reduce visual clutter and make it easier to process large amounts of data.
    • Scalable Analysis: Cluster maps can be zoomed in and out to show more or less detail, allowing for both macro and micro-level analysis.
    • Quantitative Representation: The size of the bubbles can be scaled to represent the quantity of data points, providing a quick visual indication of density or concentration.
  3. Disadvantages:
    • Loss of Specificity: Individual data points are not visible when clustered, which can obscure specific location details.
    • Dependent on Scale: The appearance and interpretation of clusters can change significantly with the scale of the map, potentially leading to different conclusions.
    • Requires Interaction: To fully explore the data, users often need to interact with the map, such as by zooming or clicking on clusters, which may not be ideal for static displays.

Try an interactive cluster map now!

This interactive cluster map shows where there are larger concentrations of private schools.

Create your own cluster maps! Try the full-featured version of Maptitude with a 1-month risk-free trial. No credit card is required

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What is a Cartogram?

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.

What is a cartogram/cartogram definition: A cartogram of African American population by state. States with a large African American population are shown larger than states with a small population.

A cartogram of African American population by state. States with a large African American population are shown larger than states with a small population.

What is a bivariate map?

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.

This bivariate map uses color and size on the same layer to show the number of rental units and median rent in different Census tracts. The size of the dots indicates the number of rental units and the color indicates the rent.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses thematic maps?

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

How do you read a thematic map?

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.

What is the difference between a thematic map and a physical map?

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.

How do you create a thematic map in Excel?

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.

What are the most commonly used thematic maps?

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.

Are political maps thematic maps?

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.

Are topographic maps thematic?

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.

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How to Make a Thematic Map using Thematic Mapping Software

This video provides step-by-step instructions for how to create attractive and informative theme maps.