Thematic Map

Thematic Map is the ideal tool to visualize geographic patterns hidden in source data that cannot be otherwise revealed by conventional tools like spreadsheets or statistical charts. Thematic Map is a replicate or mirror view of the source map characterized by a varying color pattern or symbol size that is tied to the specific values of selected data field(s) – or the Theme. Since Thematic Map retains the geographic properties of the source map, it can help you quickly explore whether the data values fluctuate in accordance with a distinct geographic pattern.

The unique merits of Thematic Map are demonstrated in the following three representations of the same dataset.

1. Tabular Format :

Comments : You can view the exact data values. They can be further sorted or queried but you won’t see any meaningful pattern here.

2. Conventional Bar Chart :

Comments : The Bar Chart shows the overall range and spread of the data values. However, 158 bars cramped together is simply too clumsy. Apart from the indigenous lack of geographic profile, Statistical Charts are limited in the quantity of records that they can sensibly accommodate.

3. Thematic Map :

Comments : The above Thematic Map produced by China infoMap summarizes the data values into five groups and assigns a different color fill-pattern to each group. Here we can easily discover that the higher values tend to cluster around the central eastern region. You definitely won’t see something so striking in a spreadsheet or any statistical chart.

The Thematic Maps offered by China infoMap are distinguished by superb versatility. They can be created on-the-fly by an intuitive step-by-step menu. Data grouping, color pattern, object size pattern and legend properties can be fine-tuned to perfection. You may create Thematic May on your own location records placed in the “My May” layer. You may also create multiple Thematic Maps in one session to exploit cross-theme relationships.