thematic+maps

Thematic Map ​ ​

A **thematic map** is a type of [|map] or [|chart] especially designed to show a particular theme connected with a specific [|geographic area]. These maps "can portray physical, social, political, cultural, economic, sociological, agricultural, or any other aspects of a city, state, region,nation, or continent".[|[1]]

A thematic map is a map that focuses in a specific idea or theme. A thematic map illustrates a particular subject and contrasted the general map, in which the variety of geological and geographical phenomena regularly appear together.[|[2]] The contrast between the both of them lies in the fact thematic maps use the base data as coastlines, boundaries and places, only as point of reference for the phenomenon being mapped. In general maps the base data as landforms, lines of transportation, settlements, and political boundaries are there for their own sake.[|[2]] Thematic maps also emphasize spatial variation of one or a small number of geographic distributions. These distributions may be physical phenomena such as [|climate] or human characteristics such as [|population density] and [|health] issues. Barbara Petchenik[|[3]] described the difference as "in place, about space." While general reference maps show where something is in space, thematic maps tell a story about that place.[|[4]] Thematic map are sometimes referred to as graphic essays that portray spatial variations and interrelationships of geographical distributions. Location, of course, is also important to provide a reference base of where selected phenomena are occurring.