Types of Maps

Reference maps

Maps used to show landforms and/or places

Physical map

Reference map that shows identifiable natural landmarks such as mountains, rivers, oceans, elevation

Political map

Reference map that shows political boundaries e.g. countries, cities, capitals, etc.

Thematic maps

Maps used to display specific types of information (theme) pertaining to an area

Cartogram

Thematic map that shows tactical data by transforming space e.g population

Choropleth map

Thematic map that uses shading or coloring to show statistical data e.g. population

Dot density map

Thematic map that uses dots to indicate a feature or occurrence e.g pop

Graduated symbols map (proportional symbols map)

TM that indicates relative magnitude of some value for a geographic region in which the symbol varies in proportion to data e.g pop