what is thematic map

A thematic map is a type of map that portrays the geographic pattern of a particular subject matter or theme in a geographic area. It usually involves the use of map symbols to visualize selected properties of geographic features such as temperature, language, or population. Thematic maps are different from general reference maps, which focus on the location of physical features such as rivers, roads, and buildings. Thematic maps are useful for analyzing the spatial distribution of information and searching for correlations between data in different locations. There are different types of thematic maps, including choropleth, dot distribution, graduated symbol, isoline, cartograms, heat, and flow-line maps. Reading a thematic map involves understanding the meaning of the symbols, colors, and other visual elements used on the map. Thematic Mapping: 101 Inspiring Ways to Visualise Empirical Data is a book that explores the rich diversity of thematic mapping and the visual representation of data.