Topographic maps show the earth’s natural features like mountains, lakes, rivers and man-made structures like roads, buildings, dams, etc. Ground elevation is a necessary feature of this map.

Thematic maps show a generalized representation and description of a particular theme such as forest, soils, population, land use, land cover, geology, climate, mineral resources, tourist zones, etc.. These maps provide information for management and
development activities of the government and private sectors. Examples of thematic maps and their definitions are :

Land condition maps show areas prone or susceptible to natural calamities like floods and earthquakes. These maps show land form classification, groud elevation and also the locations of the organizations and facilities for relief operations.

Land cover maps depict different land or vegetative covers and provide information for land use management, planning and resources management.

Land use maps show actual land use as commercial, industrial, residential, agricultural areas, etc.

Cadastral maps exhibit the location of land boundaries portraying the subdivision of tracts into smaller parcels. This type of map determines the land description for incorporation in leases, deeds and other legal instruments. It also depicts the location of streets, sewers, water lines and other minor drainage structure. It is an official register of
quantity, value and ownership of the real property.

Route or road maps illustrate the location of highways, avenues, streets and minor roads in a certain vicinity. Intersections and other structures like a cul de sac (dead end) and islands of major and
minor thoroughfares are also depicted.

Tourist maps are multi-colored maps showing the location of national partks, historic spots and other places that may be of interest to tourists.

Soil maps are multi-colored maps showing the soil types in an area.

Mineral maps depict the position of ground works and surface structures of mines; position and direction of tunnels and shafts; and the surface boundary of adjacent properties.