Choropleth Map

Choropleth are thematic maps based on predefined aerial units. Think of it as a multi-colored checkerboard map. Some maps, (ex. road maps), show many types of data while thematic maps are made to show only one specific set of data. Because each group of data is organized as a ratio value, (a zero value for comparison is present), we use what a graded color series to show least intensity to most intense (shown using a light to dark color pattern).

source: http://my.ilstu.edu/~jrcarter/Geo204/Choro/Tom/hispanic_race_fl-H1_FINAL.gif

Dot Distribution Map

This is a dot distribution map of Ohio. Represented are the number of military families in the state.

source: http://operationmilitarykids.ohio4h.org/resources/images/dotMap.gif

Propaganda Map

A very “colorful” propaganda map which shows how America and USSR union face by each other at the Cold War.

source: http://strangemaps.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/800px-reagan-digitised-poster.JPG?w=474&h=362

Hypsometric Map

Hypsometric maps represent the elevation of the terrain with colors. The area between two neighboring contour lines receives one specific tint.

Hypsometric colors are most common in topographic maps at small scales, either applied as continuous gradients or intervals. The succession of colors occurs according to different rules.

source: http://www.reliefshading.com/colors/pictures/hypso_france.jpg

PLSS Map

This PLSS Map is of Alabama. The grid lines are used to survey land for recording ownership. The township in blue is Franklin County.

source: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~alfrankl/plss_basemap_alabama.jpg

Cadastral Map

A cadastral map is one that shows land plots and ownership of those plots. This particular one is showing the ownership in the state of Delaware.

source: http://mapsgis3015.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html

Planimetric Map

Planimetric maps are digital, graphic maps that portray the horizontal position of planimetric features using lines and symbols. Ground control is set for this product. Aerotriangulation is performed to determine the position and orientation of the camera for each exposure so planimetric features are shown in their true relative coordinate position.

source: http://www.ncdot.org/doh/PRECONSTRUCT/highway/photo/Products/Planimetric_maps_default.html