Thematic Map - Uses of Thematic Maps

Uses of Thematic Maps

Thematic maps serve three primary purposes.

• First, they provide specific information about particular locations.
• Second, they provide general information about spatial patterns.
• Third, they can be used to compare patterns on two or more maps.

Common examples are maps of demographic data such as population density. When designing a thematic map, cartographers must balance a number of factors in order to effectively represent the data. Besides spatial accuracy, and aesthetics, quirks of human visual perception and the presentation format must be taken into account.

In addition, the audience is of equal importance. Who will “read” the thematic map and for what purpose helps define how it should be designed. A political scientist might prefer having information mapped within clearly delineated county boundaries (choropleth maps). A state biologist could certainly benefit from county boundaries being on a map, but nature seldom falls into such smooth, man-made delineations. In which case, a dasymetric map charts the desired information underneath a transparent county boundary map for easy location referencing.