Thematic map

Thematic Maps or Applied cards are cards that illustrate a particular feature or topic, for example, plant distribution or population density. Also interrelations of thematic layers can be prepared, for example, between characteristics and their temporal change.

In contrast to topographic maps ( Maps), which serve mainly the orientation in the field and with the surveying of locations or geometric details are presented in thematic maps objects " themselves of their note ." In addition to the property, reference, time reference ( date or time ), and the spatial reference are the essential characteristics of a thematic map: the facts shown is for a specific date or period of time and for a specific location or statistical spatial reference unit. Although the topography is an issue itself, topographic maps take a special position. They form the basis for most thematic maps and also serve as a basis for planning and research projects.

Thematic Maps with a historical theme ( a history topic) hot history cards. The term historical map, however, is not unique, since it is used both for old maps as well as historical maps.

Structure

Thematic maps can be classified according to different aspects:

  • After the subject area ( see section " Thematic areas of thematic maps ").
  • After scale areas.
  • In Basic and subsequent maps: basemap caused by the direct transfer of existing cartographic measurements or observations. Order cards presenting data that has been processed in advance.
  • After the graph method (see section " Graphical representation methods "). For the cartographic representation to numerous graphic variants can be used, which must always be adapted to the topic, aim statement and data position of the map. Particular mention here: local signatures, charts, surface pattern, contour lines, point spreads, space -abiding area mosaics ( cartograms ).
  • After the spatial reference of the topic. In Diskreta to issues extend to a marginated area (eg locations of businesses) continua vary in space ( eg air pressure ).
  • Representation of quantitative or qualitative content.
  • Representation of static or dynamic content, so illustrating the state of facts at a fixed time or the temporal- spatial change.
  • According to the degree of processing of the information presented (analytical, complex or synthetic maps).

Among the thematic maps include the special form of the Kartogramms, the position of loyalty to the facts shown is replaced by reference to fixed spatial units. There are also map-related representations as topograms or particularly clear picture cards.

Graphical representation methods

Basically, the geometric means of representation point, line and surface are used. By the formation of graphic planes they can be combined. Point Illustrative elements and text in the foreground, behind it are the level of the line elements. Two-dimensional forms the background ( except when using transparencies ).

  • Position signatures ( pictorial or geometric )
  • Line signatures (variable in thickness, color, texture )
  • Surface signatures ( colored surface, surface pattern, hatching)
  • Proportional Signatures (variable in form and color, scalable)
  • Diagrams ( different chart types are used )
  • Isolines
  • Point spread
  • Motion signatures
  • Text
  • Picture elements

Thematic areas of thematic maps

  • Geology, geophysics and geomorphology (eg Geological map, Isogonenkarte )
  • Soil science (eg soil map )
  • Hydrographic
  • Meteorology and climatology ( eg weather map, climate map )
  • Plant and animal geography
  • Landscape and ecology
  • Population and Human Settlements
  • Society, culture and history
  • Polity, politics and government (for example political map, zip code map )
  • Economy, including tourism (eg business card, hiking map, bicycle route map
  • Transportation, including aviation, shipping (eg, road map, aeronautical chart )
  • Space planning
  • Geomedicine
  • Military affairs
  • Planning system (eg Abmarkungskarte )
  • Astronomy

The majority of the graphical representation methods and the subjects of thematic maps is reflected in school atlases.

Choropleth map Pictorial maps Information visualization
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