A great deal of thematic map creation has to be performed prior to the actual map production process. Clarifications and decisions have to be made concerning the source data, scale, content and design of the map, regarding the map projection and the arrangement of the map itself and its elements. The results of such preliminary works typically are one or more map and layout sketches which can support the actual map production process. If these preliminary works are conducted completely and thoroughly, many surprises during production can be avoided and the efficiency of the work can be increased.