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Lesson Navigation IconThematic Cartography

Unit Navigation IconIntroduction to thematic cartography

LO Navigation IconDefinition

LO Navigation IconMap vs. cartogram vs. diacartogram

LO Navigation IconStatements of thematic maps

LO Navigation IconData value types

LO Navigation IconQuantitative and qualitative data

LO Navigation IconData structure

LO Navigation IconSummary

LO Navigation IconSelf Assessment

Unit Navigation IconDesign of thematic maps

Unit Navigation IconPreliminary decisions and questions for the creation of a thematic map

Unit Navigation IconTransformation of statistical data into thematic maps

Unit Navigation IconMapping techniques for thematic maps

Unit Navigation IconSelf Assessment

Unit Navigation IconRecommended Reading

Unit Navigation IconGlossary

Unit Navigation IconBibliography

Unit Navigation IconMetadata


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Definition

In Cartography, topographic maps and thematic maps are distinguished.

In the case of topographic maps, the situation, water bodies, landforms, landcover and a set of other elements for general orientation as well as labels form the main content of the map. [International Association of Cartography, 1972]

Thematic maps mainly consist of phenomena and occurrences of non-topographic type, which however, are related to the earth's surface. These are things which have a geospatial location, extent or motion. These can either be real things as well as relationships, functions, hypotheses, mental imaginations, possibilities and projects.

The borders between topographic and thematic maps can not always be clearly drawn. In the following illustration, one example for a topographic map and one example for a thematic map are given. Click on either map to enlarge it.

Click a map to enlarge it.
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