Propaganda Maps

http://geographer-at-large.blogspot.com/2012/03/map-of-week-3-12-2012the-world.html

Propaganda Maps are aimed to persuade their viewers a certain way. Just like all other forms of propaganda, maps are used to make a point or convince an individual or group of people. These maps display images that aren't true, but they are instead falsified to sway an opinion. The map above is a map of how American's view Asia. It promotes stereotypes and ideas that aren't true. 

Hypsometric Maps

http://www.aomol.net/000001/000423/html/am423--15.html

Hypsometric Maps are maps that represent changes in the elevation of the land through the use of colors or shading. The map above is a state map of Maryland that uses different hues of red to represent changes in elevation. The darker shades in the Western parts of the state represent higher elevations, and the lighter shades near the coast represent lower elevations. 

PLSS Map

http://nationalatlas.gov/articles/boundaries/a_plss.html

The PLSS System, otherwise known as the Public Land Survey System, is a system that utilizes baselines and meridians in order to define regions. The PLSS separates most of the United States into townships and sections through meridans and lines. The map above shows these areas and divisions in the United States. 

Cadastral Map

http://www.fig.net/cadastraltemplate/countrydata/my.htm

A Cadastral Map shows detailed information about real property in an area. In the map above, all boundaries of lots are clearly seen. These maps are usually very public and often produced by the government. 

Thematic Map

http://geodepot.statcan.ca/Diss/Reference/COGG/short_Thematic_e.cfm?TUTORIAL=3

A Thematic Map is a map that focuses on a specific theme or topic. They show spatial distribution for specific data themes. They typically don't show natural features, unless they are being used as reference points to enhance the maps theme or focus. The map above is a map showing Canada's population change in certain locations from 1996 to 2001. The map has a certain theme that it is trying to portray and uses territorial and provincial borders to give it more of a reference. 

Topographic Map

http://geography.about.com/od/understandmaps/a/map-types.htm

A Topographic Map is a type of contour map that uses contour lines to portray relief, shape, and elevation of the land. They capture three dimensional aspects of terrain on a two dimensional surface. Hills, cliffs, ridges, and valleys are just a few features denoted by topographic maps. When the contour lines are closer together, the change in the third dimension is largest. This map represents the Big Island of Hawaii. The coastal areas are flatter, represented by the contour lines being farther apart, and the steeper areas can be seen by the closely spaced contour lines.