Thematic Map

The above map is an example of a thematic map.  Thematic maps are designed to show a particular theme (hence their name) for a geographical area.  These geographic areas can be specific like a city; larger areas like a state, or like the above map, very large areas like region or a country.  The distributions or themes of these maps can be both broad and specific like physical phenomena such as climate or rainfall, or human characteristics such as population density and health issues.  In the above thematic map you see the per capita income of whites in the United States in the year 1989.  I found this map very interesting, as when I graduate I would love to get a job in South Florida.  If this map follows the same trends now as it did back then in 1989, my dreams of moving to South Florida just were sweetened a bit. 

The map URL is: http://racialreality.110mb.com/refuting_rm.html

Topographic Map

This is an example of a topographic map.  Topographic maps are in direct contrast to the map above, planimetric maps.  These maps are characterized by a detailed and accurate graphic representation if cultural and natural features on the ground (the features left out of planimetric, or street maps).  In this map you can see a Topographic map of the continent of Australia, one of the many places I dream to visit and dive.  It explains the third dimension by using contour lines to show elevation change on the surface of Australia.
The map URL is: http://www.virtualoceania.net/australia/maps/elevation.shtml

Planimetric Map

This is a planimetric map of Nassau, Bahamas, one of the cities I am visiting on a cruise in two weeks!  In this map you can see intersections and street names.  The mapmakers have also chosen to highlight certain tourist spots, for example the libraries, Rawson Square, and Pirates of Nassau.  This planimetric map explains how to get to certain places around town, and is essentially a basic street map.  Planimetric maps do not show elevation or depth, indicating only the horizontal positions of features.
The map URL is: http://www.bahamasb2b.com/travel/nassau_bahamas_vacation.htm

Mental Map

J.K. Rowling once sketched the setting for the Harry Potter series, also known as Hogwarts and the surrounding area.  Her mental map of the setting was then introduced on The Prisoner of Azkaban DVD.  Although it was seen on the DVD it was photographed at a strange angle, and not 100 percent readable.  Her original map was then seen again in The Daily Telegraph magazine in February 2010, however this map was far too small and therefore again not decipherable.  The mental map seen above is a “combined and traced over [of] the two.”  Mental maps are highly abstracted, and are often drawn simply for his/her eyes only as they are based upon someone’s interpretation of a given environment.  As you can see from this description, the above image of J.K. Rowling's Hogwarts map is in fact a mental map. 
The map URL is: http://members.madasafish.com/~cj_whitehound/Fanfic/map_of_Hogwarts/introduction.htm