ABSTRACT
To solve problems in the fields of Earth and social sciences, maps are indispensable. Frequently, the researcher will have questions related to the nature and coverage of some particular phenomena. Finding answers will involve questions concerning the map type and map scale to use.
This is illustrated by the discussion of several case studies, varying from large-scale cadastral and utility applications to small-scale socio-economic applications. In this context, there specific attention is paid to the role that maps play in geospatial, thematic and temporal comparisons. A geospatial comparison means looking at different areas at the same scale and theme, to check whether certain patterns correspond or differ. A thematic comparison involves looking at maps displaying different themes for the same area to see whether the geospatial distribution of these themes is similar or different. Temporal comparisons are executed by studying views of the same area and theme for different dates.
