Reference maps show the location of geographic areas for which data are
tabulated and disseminated. The maps display the boundaries, and identifiers, as
well as major cultural and physical features such as roads, railways,
coastlines, rivers and lakes.
Thematic Maps
A thematic map shows the spatial distribution of one or more specific data
themes. The map may be qualitative in nature (e.g., number of liquor store
outlets, number of schools by school district, or number and type of regional
offices) or qualitative (e.g., percentage population change). Thematic maps
present data such as population so that geographic patterns in the data are more
easily understood across multiple regions. Thematic maps can be produced for a
variety of administrative boundaries.
BC Stats maintains files for translating various data across administrative
regions.