[Part 8] Let’s Talk with Data! SuperMap iDesktopX Thematic Map Creation Master Guide

Hello! I'm ippuku_time, a GIS implementation support consultant.

Welcome to the eighth episode of the "Learn SuperMap iDesktopX in 5 Minutes."

In the previous article, we explored various visualization techniques, including map symbol settings and the swipe tool.

This time, we're diving deeper into thematic maps — an essential component and true heart of GIS visualization.

Let's master the visualization techniques that help your data speak clearly and powerfully!

1. What is a Thematic Map?

A thematic map highlights spatial distribution, patterns, and trends based on a specific topic. For example, a thematic map may illustrate:

• Population density by block in Minato Ward

• Land use categories

• Passenger counts at each station

With iDesktopX, you can easily create a wide range of thematic maps to reveal the story behind your data.

2. Individual Value Thematic Maps (Qualitative Data)

Ideal for visualizing categorical differences such as land use. 

Examples include categories like commercial, residential, industrial, and parks.

When to use:

For categorical datasets — land use, geology, vegetation, etc.

How to create:

Go to Layer Properties → Create Thematic Map → Individual Value Thematic Map, select a category attribute (e.g., land use type), and iDesktopX automatically generates the map and legend.

3. Graded (Choropleth) Thematic Maps (Quantitative Data)

Best for visualizing numerical values, such as population or sales, divided into ranges and shaded by intensity.

When to use:

Population density, land prices, aging rates, etc.

How to create:

Choose Graded Thematic Map, select a numeric field, and set:

• Number of classes

• Classification method (equal interval, quantile, etc.)

• Color gradation

Example: Darker red indicates higher population density.

4. Statistical Chart Thematic Maps (Multiple Variables)

Display multiple statistical values per region using bar or pie charts — compare several data points at once.

When to use:

For example: comparing the number of restaurants, retailers, and service businesses around major Minato Ward stations like Shimbashi, Shinagawa, and Roppongi.

How to create:

Select Statistical Graph Theme, choose multiple numeric fields, and select chart type (bar, pie, stacked bar, 3D, etc.).

5. Proportional Symbol Thematic Maps

Express numeric values by changing symbol size (e.g., circle radius).

When to use:

Passenger counts at stations, number of businesses per district, etc.

How to create:

Choose Continuous Proportional Symbol Theme, set a numeric reference field, and define symbol size for min/max values.

6. Point Density & Heat Maps (Distribution Patterns)

Visualize density patterns and hotspots.

Point Density

Generates random points based on assigned values (e.g., 1 point = 100 people) to visually represent concentration.

Heat Map (Aggregation Map)

Warmer colors highlight dense point clusters — great for identifying hotspots such as:

• Café concentration zones

• Traffic accident clusters

Summary

This article introduced key types of thematic maps in iDesktopX and tips for creating them.
With additional tools like label thematic maps and raster thematic maps, the possibilities are extensive.

The thematic style you choose can dramatically change how your audience understands the story behind your data. Try out various maps and uncover the insights your data has to offer!

Next Article: Part 9

“Instantly Extract the Data You Want! SQL Queries & Spatial Queries”

We'll explore query functions that help you efficiently extract useful information from large datasets. Stay tuned!

Source and sample code (Python): https://supermap-japan.blogspot.com/2025/09/gisippukutime-5supermap-idesktopx8gis.html