Cadastral

http://www.terrain.org/columns/23/savoy.htm

A cadastral map shows property bounds as well as ownership, and it usually used for governmental purposes. In the example above, the city of Washington is being mapped out in 1792 for ownership purposes and each boundary is outlined pretty bold. Older cadastral maps such as these are particularly fascinating because it allows to get into the minds of map makers from hundreds of years ago and see what they were thinking. These map types are very interesting, and are still used by government officials today.

Hypsometric

http://www.uam.es/proyectosinv/sterea/beocia/images/figure_8_gis.jpg

Hypsometric maps represent the different elevations of the earths terrain through the use of shading and colors. Typically the lower/lighter color will depict a lower levels of elevation while the darker colors will represent high levels of elevation. The example above is a hypsometric map of the Greek island Boiotia, and the darkest colors on the left side of the map represent the highest levels of elevation.

Planimetric Map

http://imcmapping.com/ser_topo.htm

 The map shown above is known as a Planimetric map. These maps differ from the conventional topographic map because they deal specifically with the horizontal position of features, while the topograph indicates both horizontal and vertical positions. Planimetric maps are also known as "line maps", and show no relief features. The map above is the layout of a small piece of land in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Cave Painting

http://www.touropia.com/prehistoric-cave-paintings/

Cave painting are considered the earliest forms of maps. The example above is a cave painting found in Bulgaria and it seems to portray the animals and people you would likely find on that land.

Unstandardized Choropleth Map

http://www.esds.ac.uk/international/support/user_guides/gisoverview.asp

In an unclassified choropleth map the numeric attribute values are converted directly into proportionate degrees of darkness. The data is separated by numbers and is not standardizes in any way. In the example above, the map displays the number of female fertilities taken place in the different countries of Europe. These maps are particularly useful because they are easy to read and display useful information at a quick glance.

Continuously Variable Proportional Circle Map

http://connect.in.com/circle-line-map/photos-1-1-1-72426a2f1fd578228f1718a4c1204c2d.html

 A continuously variable proportional circle map uses the same principles as a conventional proportional circle and takes it a step further. In the map above, instead of simply placing circles where the major industries are located, it places the circles and then turns that into another data set. These maps are really useful because you are able to compare many variables all in one map with real ease.

Proportional Circle Map

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/book/export/html/1553

Proportional circle maps display data by using circles to represent numerical data. The larger the circle appears on the map the greater the amount of whatever data is being displayed belongs to that area. The example above shows Hispanic population throughout the nation and as you can see the greatest Hispanic influence takes place in California, Texas, and Florida. These maps are useful because they are very easy to understand and can be easily developed.

Black and White Aerial Photo

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1995/of95-017/

Black and white aerial photos are some of the most common map types that we have today. They are very useful because they give another perspective of some areas and allow viewers to better survey the area. The picture above is a photo of Mamala Bay, Hawaii.

Lidar

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories/s798b.htm

Lidar is a tool that maps things on the earths surface using laser pulses and GPS to come up with this incredibly detailed outline of the city. This Lidar photo was takes pre 9-11 attacks in Manhattan and display the city and vegetation around it. This could be considered a map because not only to you get the ariel shot of the city, but you also are able tell elevation heights by the color of each building. The reddish color seen on top of some of these building are indication that they are extremely tall.

Standardized Choropleth Map

http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2007/oct/07_0091.htm

Standardized Choropleth Maps display standardized data that has been areally averaged so it can be compared to places of different sizes. It also uses different colors to represent the numbers being conveyed to the viewer. These maps are particularly useful because it allows you to compare places with different populations. In the example above, the map displays the percentage is individuals that are overweight throughout the United States.

Classed Choropleth Map

http://johnkeim.blogspot.com/2010/04/classed-choropleth-maps.html

A classes choropleth map uses colors to show different degrees of a certain variable across a particular area. These maps are very effective because they are easy to understand and allow people to compare neighboring areas. In this example, the state of Florida is being divided up and classified into the counties with the most Hispanic or Latino people living there. The darker the green, the more Hispanic or Latin influence.

Bivariate Choropleth Map

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog486/book/export/html/1717

A bivariate choropleth map uses colors and boundaries of two separate variables and combines them into one graph. Insurance rate and cancer rate are the two variables being examined in the example above and you can see how both are being displayed in one map.

Correlation Matrix

http://yin.che.wisc.edu/images.htm

A correlation matrix is a certain map type that is able plot correlations between certain sets of data. In this example, the matrix is showing the relationship between T7 proteins. As you can see from the scale located on the right side of the diagram, red suggests a strong correlation while the blue shows a weaker correlation. To locate the correlation between the two variables, you need to find the value in the table for the row and column intersection for those two variables.

Statistical Maps

http://personalpages.manchester.ac.uk/staff/m.dodge/cybergeography/atlas/census.html

Statistical maps show the difference between a certain areas in the subject that is being discussed. It uses statistics to come up measurements being displayed, and a color for each object. In the example above, international connectivity to the internet is being compared throughout the world. It shows that most people are able to connect to the internet in todays society with a purple hue, and shows the less fortunate countries with a green, red, and yellow color.

Thematic Map

http://ilrdss.sws.uiuc.edu/links/all_results.asp?sp=main&searchCat=County&searchTag=46

A thematic map displays the data of a certain theme pertaining to the particular area being mapped. Most of the maps display either income, politics, or weather, but there is an endless number of themes to choose from. In the example above, the soil depth of Illinois is the theme chosen and it depth is displayed buy the different shades of brown in the map.

PLSS

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/%7Ealfrankl/landrecords.htm

The PLSS, or Public Land Survey System is a way of subdividing and describing land in the United States. This map is used to divide public domain lands and separates most of the United Stated into townships. The example above is the PLSS map of Franklin County, Alabama. 

Propaganda Map

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bibliodyssey/2722416012/

Propaganda maps are ones that we use when we are trying to display some of our own opinions and ideas about places. For the most part these maps are not truthful and are used to sway opinion of the potential viewer. In this example, the European Revue made a map showing their country having a bunch of animals and people attacking an Eagle (the US).

Cartogram

http://pl.atyp.us/wordpress/index.php/2011/02/fun-with-cartograms/

Cartograms are maps that have the size of the particular region being displayed skewed to have it represent importance. Instead of simply having numbers tell the whole story, these maps allow the size of each place represent what has the most value. In the example above, the numbers of voters in each state is shown by the sizes of each state. For example, Florida, California, and Texas are the biggest because they have the most voters.

Flow Map

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/texas.html

Flow maps show movement from place to place with thicker lines representing more movement then thinner lines. These map types are especially useful in business transactions and when trying to figure out where items are being imported from. In the example above, Texas truck flow is represented by red lines throughout the country. 

Dot Distribution Map

http://smp07h.blogspot.com/2011/02/dot-distribution-map.html

A dot distribution map uses dots to represent a certain variable and spreads them across the map to represent where each of these variables are located. Although simple, this map type is has been used for thousands of years and it still just as effective today. The example shown here is a map of Walmart locations though out the United States. As we can see, the eastern part of our country is loaded with Walmarts.

DEM

http://www.hydroguam.net/map-topo-dem.php

The DEM, or digital elevation map is used to represent the elevation of the terrain displayed. Scientist and geologist use these map type to determine water flow, analyze terrain and much more. In this example, Southern Guam is analyzed and each color used represents a certain heigh in which the land is elevated.

Lorenz Curve

http://www.unc.edu/depts/econ/byrns_web/Economicae/Figures/Lorenz.htm

A Lorenz Curve shows the degree of inequality that exists in the distributions of two variables. This map type is mostly used is the economics field and is used to show distribution in income. In the example above,  the straight line is where perfect equality would be reached, and the line that curves out represents the degree of inequality.

Index Value Plot

http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/

Index value plots allow the data being displayed to be compared at an average value, rather than to start at zero. The line labeled "normal" running through the middle of the graph is know as the Index Value, and we compare the variables off of that. In this particular map, the streamflow index in North Carolina is being displayed.

Climograph

http://www.oocities.org/sg/c_pling/climates.html

A climograph displays data about a places precipitation and temperature throughout the year and breaks it down into monthly categories. In this climograph Iquitos, Peru has their statistics represented by the blue bars and shows that in the month of March the combination of precipitation and temperature is at its highest. These maps can be very useful to people who travel, and are very easy to use.

Windrose

http://www.vistadatavision.com/wind-rose/

The windrose is a clever and simple way to analyze data that is related to wind direction. This tools has to ability to not only display the speed of wind, but the ability to show direction as well. In the windrose above, we can see that the most severe winds are coming from the southeast at 13%. This tools is very effective and efficient because it is easy to use and conveys verbs important information. 

Triangular Plot

http://www.dplot.com/triangle-plot.htm

The triangle plot is a graph of three variables. The proportion of the three variables plotted always equal to some kind of constant. The example above is a triangular plot displaying the the relation compositions to sand, silt, and clay.

Parallel Coordinate Graph

http://www.evl.uic.edu/aej/424/kyoung/Training-parallelcoordinate.html

Parallel Coordinate Graphs are used to display many variables at one time. As you can see from this example there many lines being plotted on the graph, and these maps allow the user to compare many variates with much convenience.

DLG

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/of03-471/domier/index.html

DLGs, or digital line graphs are digital vector representations of topographic and planimetric map features derived from either aerial photographs or cartographic source materials. These maps give a lot of useful information on many things such as roads, rivers, and boundaries. The map above is a DLG of a Key Park, Illinois and you can see the detailed manner in which the roadways are displayed.

DRG

http://gis.ny.gov/gisdata/quads/about/drg.htm

A DRG, or digital raster graphic is a scanned image of a topographic map. These maps are simply converting existing maps into digital raster form. This DRG is the map of a small in New York around the campus where this DRG was made.

Isopleth

http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange1/current/lectures/kling/water_nitro/water_and_nitrogen_cycles.htm

Isopleth maps use contour lines to display and compare the value of a certain area using any number of variables. These maps generalizes and simplifies data for the readers convenience. The example above compares the ph levels across the nation and uses two different colors to classify them.

Isopach

http://www.searchanddiscovery.com/documents/2007/07022lash/images/2_18.htm

According to our notes, Isopach lines show the thickness of a rock layer known to produce oil over a certain period of time. Maps such as these are very useful to geologist and drillers because it lets them know what tools they will need and how much time they can expect to be drilling. The map above shows different layers of rock thickness located in Pennsylvania. Each color has a certain thickness associated with it, and the darker the color the thicker the layer.

Isohyet

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0808/S00090.htm

Isohyet maps are simple and efficient ways to convey the amount of rainfall in a an area over a certain period of time. In the example above, the map shows the amount of precipitation in the Taranaki Regional Council in July 2008. As the map displays, as the circles get tighter the amount of rainfall is greater.

Isotach

http://www.wxonline.info/topics/jetstream.html

Isobars

http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/wxfacts/Isobars-on-surface-maps.htm

The map shown above uses isobars, lines of equal air pressure in order to convey to the viewer exactly how strong or weak the air pressure is in certain areas. Each circle in the map represents a different level of air pressure, and the tighter the circle the stronger the winds. These map types are used a lot of TV weather forecasts and gives the viewer an easy way to comprehend these measurements.

Doppler Radar

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/srh/jetstream/doppler/how.htm

The Doppler radar can provide information regarding the movement of targets as well as their position. They do this by transmuting a pulse of radio waves, and tracking their shift in phase. Images such as the one shown above are used daily by meteorologists on the news, and they provide a great image for all the viewers to take in. This example is a Doppler image of Hurricane Frances just as it made landfall in 2004.

Infrared Aerial Photo

http://www.aerialarchives.com/Infrared-Aerial-Photography.htm

Infrared Aerial Photos are a powerful tool that not only be used to document changes to an environment, but also allows one to monitor things such as toxic chemicals, damage to roofs, and many other things. For instance, this photo is a deep water channel located in Sacramento, California and was taken in order to document the amount of chemicals in the water. One could use a map like this to see whether or not it would be wise to drink from a particular water source, or they could use it to detainee wether or not they want to live in a certain area cause of chemicals.

Cartographic Animation

http://gislounge.com/armchair-storm-tracking/

Cartographic animation are commonly used in weather imaging to forecast and project storms. This type of visualization mapping gives viewers a very clear picture of what weather they can expect and allows the meteorologists to show projections with an actual storm size. These maps are typically in 2D or 3D and are just another example of how technology has made mapping better.

Mental Map

http://blog.iqmatrix.com/mind-map/advanced-mind-mapping-strategies

The image above is an example of a mental map. These maps allow one to organize the ideas as they develop in their mind, and can be an effective tool for any individual. In this particular map, the person is planning a way to attack their upcoming test.

DOQQ

                           http://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/AboutUs/Pages/aboutUs_DOQQ.aspx

DOQQ or digital orthographic quarter-quads, are digital photos taken at an aerial view that may be digitally altered to give a more accurate picture. This technology has made it possible for map makers to notice some errors in paper maps that were perfectly accepted before. The example above is a DOQQ photo of downtown Sacramento, California and the arrow is point to the Department of Conservations state headquarters.

Nominal Area Choropleth Map

http://jcsites.juniata.edu/faculty/rhodes/ida/geospatviz.html

Nominal Area Choropleth maps are used when trying to convey nominal, or categorical data with colors and shading of certain areas. The example above, maps out the results from the 2008 Presidential election in which President Obama (blue) beat out Republican Mccain (red). The states that have a real dark blue color to them indicate that Obama won that area by a land side, where as the light blue such as Florida's color means that the voting was real close. This map type is real efficient and effective because it is easy to follow and allows much information to be gained in a short period of time.

Bilateral Graph

http://kmuletmapcatalog.blogspot.com/2009/04/bilateral-graph.html

A bilateral graph compares multiple variables typically over the same amount of time, indicating some sort of correlation. In the example shown above, the red line represents the number of jobs available while the green line is representing President Bush's economic policies coming into effect. As the policies start being enforced you can see that the number of jobs start to fall; the policies display a negative correlation. 

Concept Map

http://library.usu.edu/instruct/tutorials/cm/CMinstruction2.htm

Concept maps such as the one shown above allow pictures or images to explain ideas. In this example, obesity is the original concept and as ideas keep spurring off that subject the map gets bigger, while the ideas are ranked in a hierarchal matter. These maps are used everyday by students such as myself, and can be a very effective tools when used correctly.

Population Profile

http://www.census.gov/population/www/projections/natchart.html

A Population Profile chart illustrates the number of people in a given region while placing them into certain age groups. The map shown above is a projection of the residential population the United States will reach in the year 2025. Blue represents the number or males, while green represents the number of females. Maps such as this make it real easy to see what kind of demographics a particular location has.

Line Graph

http://mste.illinois.edu/courses/ci330ms/youtsey/lineinfo.html

Line graphs enable the viewer compare two variables with a simple visualization. One variable is plotted on the y-axis, minimum wage in this example, and one is plotted on the x-axis (year). The trend line connects the dots and allows one to see if a positive or negative correlation has been discovered. In this example, there is a clear correlation between time and the amount of minimum wage. This is a positive correlation because the trend line is starting in the lower left corner and headed towards the upper right corner. These map types are very useful and convenient when trying to notice a certain trend between variables.

Pie Chart

http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/pub0009/lpmarticle.asp?id=390

    Pie charts are a very common type of map. They convey what percentage of the whole a certain object is by giving that item their own "slice" of the pie; the slice size is representative of the percentage that object accounts for. For example, in this image almonds make up 25% of the nuts in the bag and the slice it receives is one fourth of the pie. Pie charts initiated the movement away from recording data into rows or columns and establishing what is known today as geovisualization.