Thematic maps: what they are, how they differ from other map types

A thematic map is a map that focuses on a specific subject and is organized so that the subject stands out above the geographic setting; an incomplete list of examples includes maps of zoning classes, land cover, vegetation zones, species ranges, population density, soils, per capita income, and race and ethnicity (definition by ESRI).

For more information, watch the YouTube video on an Introduction to Thematic Maps.

You should also read “Chapter 6 Thematic Maps”, of the book “World of Maps” by B. Rystedt, F.J. Ormeling (ed.), International Cartographic Association, Stockholm, 2014, 147 pages. The French Cartographique Committe provides a translation of this chapter in French (Chapitre 6 CARTES THÉMATIQUES).

Before moving on into the course, you are invited to visit the ESRI repository with Examples of thematic maps using ACS data in ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World, to get an idea of the variety of phenomena that can be mapped in relation to the geographical space.