1. Thematic Maps Geographic Skills toolbox
Adapted from “Geography Alive” chapter 6
SkillBuilder: Understanding Thematic Maps task

2. What is a thematic map?
A thematic map is a map drawn to show one aspect; that is, one theme.
For example, the map may show: the location of vegetation types; hazards; or weather.
Parts of the theme are given different colours or, if only one idea is conveyed, symbols may show location.

3. Why are thematic maps useful?
Thematic maps are used to identify and represent a single feature.
No additional clutter is presented on the map —it allows the reader to focus on one feature only.
Thematic maps are useful for:
focusing the viewer's attention on a single feature
highlighting the significance of a single feature
comparing different areas of a map in terms of the existence of a feature.

4. Example 1

5. Example 2

6. Comparison between examples
Example 1 shows four major landform regions.
It is a simplified version of a natural features map (eg. 2)
Much of Australia is dominated by the Great Western Plateau, particularly in the west of the country.
Following the coastline are the coastal lowlands, except around the Great Australian Bight and near the Victoria/South Australia border.
The eastern highlands run parallel to the east coast from the northern tip of Australia to the south.
The central lowlands run from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the Victoria/South Australia border.

7. Your turn You are going to create your own thematic map for Indonesia.
You can choose from one of the following areas to focus on for your thematic map.
You will then create your own thematic map using the blank Indonesian map template
Remember to add BOLTSS to your map afterwards
Population thematic map:
Vegetation thematic map: