- Definition
A thematic map shows you specific information about an area, like where different types of trees grow or how many people live in certain towns.
A map that uses different colors to show all the provinces and territories in Canada is a thematic map.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A thematic map is like a weather map that only shows you where it will be sunny, not every road and building.
Ask your child: What one special story is this map trying to tell us?
Common mix-up: Kids often think all maps show how to get from one place to another. A thematic map tells a specific story about an area, like where different animals live or what languages are spoken.
Examples
- A weather map that uses colours to show which areas will be hot or cold.
- A map of your city that only shows where all the parks and playgrounds are.
thematic map is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 3 Social Studies / History / Geography
- Grade 4 Social Studies / History / Geography
- Grade 5 Social Studies / History / Geography
+6 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
