Figure 1. Thematic Map from Pinterest Searching
What is Thematic Mapping?
Maybe you have tried to search "thematic maps" just like in Figure 1, right?
As it is shown in Figure 2, Thematic Cartography is one of the domains which is focused on observed or extracted attributes.
Attributes and techniques are predominant in Thematic Cartography.
Furthermore, the product of Thematic Cartography is the Thematic Map.
We can conclude that Thematic Mapping is a process of creating a thematic map,
where we need to look into thematic cartography theory and apply it into the process.
Figure 2. Cartography Domain
Figure 3. Proportional Symbol Map - Total GDP
What is the goal of thematic mapping?
Thematic mapping is a cartographic process of making a thematic map. The thematic map itself is a map which can represent the various geographic phenomena(s), the location, and the information of its attribute at the same time. The goal of this map is to be able to show the audience about statistical information which usually can not be understood directly from tables or graphs. You can see Figure 3 as a thematic map example.
Figure 4.Mapping Sami Languages Nele Peschel
Good Map Examples
A good map always follows this quality below ⬇️
- shows an obvious idea which tells the purpose of the map
- visualizes with a good symbolization which is easy to read
- uses the data from a good source
- represents clear contents so it is not too crowded
- gives a legend which is easy to interpret
Figure 4 beside is a good map example because it has good map qualities above.
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Percentage of People That Think Their Country Has Benefited From Being In The EU
Map created by Landgeist
Go to map source
Population Age
Map created by Golebiowska, I., Korycka-Skorupa, J., and Slomska-Przech, K.
Go to map source
Most Popular Destinations for German Emigrants in 2014
Map created by Golebiowska, I., Korycka-Skorupa, J., and Slomska-Przech, K.
Go to map source
Figure 5. Software applications for mapping - Based on GISGeography perspective
Where can I create a map?
You can use mapping software or graphic designing software applications.
If you want to see what software you can use, you can open the page in Figure 5 beside.
The thematic map could be born from anywhere, but you should make sure that your thematic map follows the rules.
Why? Because there is already a guideline of how to make a good map.
This guideline exists to make sure that the map can be a tool for effective communication between map maker and map reader.Don't worry! It will be discussed in the next pages!😏
Examples of Some Software Applications You Can Use
QGIS
Open source GIS software
ArcGIS
GIS software
Kepler.gl
Online map maker
Adobe Illustrator
Graphic designing software
Affinity Designer
Graphic designing software
Inkscape
Graphic designing software