What is the purpose of thematic maps?

Thematic maps serve the essential function of illustrating specific data related to a particular theme or subject matter. These maps focus on conveying information such as population density, climate patterns, land use, and other thematic variables that highlight spatial relationships. By employing visual representations like colors, symbols, and patterns, thematic maps allow viewers to grasp complex information at a glance and understand how that data varies across different geographical areas.

In contrast, the other options either misrepresent the capabilities of thematic maps or focus on different types of maps. For instance, some maps may primarily concentrate on geographical borders without delving into thematic data, while others might take a more artistic approach in showing landscapes or dramatizing historical events, which does not align with the primary goal of thematic mapping. Thus, thematic maps are distinctly characterized by their focus on a specific theme, making option B the accurate choice.