Cartographic Propaganda

http://eyeteeth.blogspot.com/2006_12_01_archive.html

A cartographic propaganda map is created to promote propaganda or to persuade. Typically it isn't accurate and not used to be a travel map,  but just to portray a position and grab attention.  The above map is a propaganda map of constellations and the figures they form in the eyes of the map creator. 

Thematic Maps

http://www.mathworks.com/help/map/thematic-maps.html

Thematic maps are used to show specific patterns or themes in a certain or chosen area.  The map above is a thematic map of the population density in New England in 2000.  The closer to red, the higher population density and the closer to yellow the lower.

Proportional Circle Map

http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/~jeff/gis/proportional_symbols.html

A proportional map expresses data using different sized circles.   The higher the value in an area, the larger the circle.  The map of Europe above uses circle size to show the number of internet users in 2004.

Isotach

http://www.intellicast.com/National/Wind/WINDcast.aspx

An isotach is a map in which incorporates the information on wind speed and direction of a certain area.  The map above is an isotach map of Florida showing the wind speeds between the contour lines.

Choropleth Map

http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2007/oct/07_0091.htm

A choropleth map is a thematic map that displays information based on shading of the areas and data being displayed.   It often comes with a legend for the measurements of each level of shading. The map above is a choropleth map of the US, with the color coded legend underneath in quintiles, showing the percentage of individuals living in poverty by county in 2000.

Statistical Map

http://www.oesc.state.ok.us/lmi/LAUS/2006/Mar/counties.htm

Statistical maps are like choropleth maps and show a variation in quantity of factors such as population, rainfall and crops in a geographical location.   Above is a statistical map of the unemployment rates in Oklahoma by each county.

Lidar

http://www.industrytap.com/7-ways-light-detection-ranging-lidar-affecting-life/8841

Lidars (a combination of the words "light" and "radar) are remote sensing techniques using light detection and radar.   They measure distance to an object while using light.   The map above shows the colors of an area with various colors related to the height of the buildings.