A thematic map is a map that emphasizes a particular theme or a special topic, such as the average distribution of population of an area. Thematic maps emphasize the spatial variation of one or a small number of geographic distributions – physical phenomena such as climate or human characteristics such as population density and health issues. This unit studies two of them in detail: the dot map and the choropleth map.
1. What is a Thematic Map?
- It emphasizes a particular theme or special topic, e.g. the average distribution of population of an area.
- It is different from general reference maps, because it does not just show general features like rivers, cities, political subdivisions and highways.
- Thematic maps use a variety of cartographic symbols to depict the spatial pattern of a particular geographic quality or quantity.
- They are used to display geographical concepts such as density, distribution, relative magnitudes, gradients, spatial relationships and movements.