Thematic maps

Thematic maps are maps that portray a specific theme. Some of these maps include cartogram, choropleth maps, and dot maps.

Cartogram
Certain parts of the map are exaggerated in size based on what is being represented in the map. This cartogram map is based on the weather of japan.

http://www.viewsoftheworld.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Japan_PopulationCartogram_tn.png

Choropleth map

This is based on the population in japan, the numerical data of the population is represented by colors.

http://rgm3.lab.nig.ac.jp/RGM-files/R_CC/result/Nippon/JapanPrefecturesMap.Rd_001_large.png

Dot maps

Represents the occurrence of an event. This map represents the aftershock of a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in 2011. 

http://www.brucesussman.com/tag/japan-aftershock-map/