Choropleth Maps

water.usgs.gov/watuse/wumaps.color.html
Choropleth maps are a type of thematic map that categorizes the statistical information by use of color coding or shading. A choropleth map is a great way to visualize the density of statistical information over a geographical area. The above choropleth map is of national water use in 1990. By means of color coding, it is easy to see from the key that the states in red consume the most water per day while the states colored dark blue consume the least.

Dot Distribution Map

 www.census.gov/geo/www/mapGallery/2kpopden.html

A dot distribution map shows the presence of a phenomenon by means of dot symbols over a given area. There are two types of dot distribution maps: 1). One-to-one where each single dot represents one particular phenomenon. 2). One-to-many where one dot can represent any number of phenomenons designated by the map creator. The map above is from the U.S. Census Bureau and displays the U.S. population distribution in 2000. In this nighttime one-to-one map, each white dot represents  7,500 people.

Propaganda Maps

 www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?12497-Stunning-map

Throughout history, maps have been used to navigate the globe but have also been used to express a particular view of the world. Typically, maps were creating with beautiful artwork in eye catching colors. The presentation of the map was as important as the information itself and was used to captivate and convince the reader of the intended statement. I'm not sure what the message is here but the mighty British warthog is shown towering over Turkey as a money hungry beast driven by a tiny Winston Churchill upon it's shoulder. The battle of Gallipoli had yet to happen at this point but this propaganda map is an eerie depiction of the battle to come. Russia is shown as a scary ravenous beast prepared to defend it's sea route against Britain.

Hypsometric Maps

mappery.com/Elevation-Map-of-Dummerston-Vermont
A hypsometric map shows elevation within a specific geographical location by means of contouring, shading, and tinting. This is a hypsometric map of Vermont. The different colors and shading represent an array of elevations throughout the map while the contours give it realistic texture.

PLSS Maps

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/c7_p19.html
PLSS are used and regulated by the Bearu of Land Management to divide lands of public domain. Each PLSS has an initial point (such as a monument or other prominant land marker) which is 0,0 on a grid. The grids are then subdivided into townships which are measured on the principal meridian (N,S) and the baseline (E,W) from the initial point. Each survey has land designated with a range and township relative to the baseline and principal meridian. For example, township measures the land North and South of the baseline while the range measures the land East and West of the principal meridian. The grid below shows that the land highlighted is the second township South of the baseline and third range West of the meridian.

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/natureofgeoinfo/c7_p19.html

Cadastral Maps

medlibrary.org/medwiki/Cadastral_divisions_of_Queensland
Cadastral maps are generally used for the purpose of recording ownership of land by defining boundaries and subdivisions. A cadastral map may also display cultural boundaries and other features pertaining to the value of that land. The image above is of the cadastral division of Queensland Australia. The division took place in 1901 for the purpose of registering land titles.

Thematic Maps

 www.epa.gov/opptintr/rsei/pubs/demo_maps.html

A thematic map shows how qualitative (discriptive) data and quantitative (statistical) data are spread out over a geographic location whether it be by state, county, or region. The above thematic map demonstrates Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators by state.

Topographic Map

mail.colonial.net/~hkaiter/topographic_maps.html
Topographic maps are most widely used for general purposes. Much the same as planimetric maps, topo maps often display features such as natural and political boundaries as well as bodies of water. The major difference between a planimetric map and a topographic map is that the latter presents its features in vertical as well as horizontal form (3D vs. 2D). The image above demonstrates this feature by displaying elevation through the use of contour lines.

Planimetric Map

www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/MIS/gis/availdata.htm
A Planimetric Map displays general, natural, and man made features in a 2 dimensional view. Typically the features included are those pertinent to the information conveyed on the map itself. For instance, instead of displaying lakes, mountains, trees, valleys, etc- This planimetric map displays building areas, paved and unpaved areas, driveways, water features, and railroads which is conveying GIS services to businesses and residents near this developmental area. The difference between a planimetric map and a topographic map is that the former does not portray elevation of its elements.