Periodically, the box cover would be updated to reflect a more contemporary art style. Linking a game with a TV production risks built-in obsolescence, since the public's interest is tied directly to the program. In mental maps, geography is distorted to reflect the reality in our minds rather than the world around us. Depending on the cartographer's perception, some regions grow in importance, while others shrink or disappear. These two satirical examples illustrate the difference between a Bostonian's and New Yorker's view of the United States.
Thematic maps suppress general information in order to emphasize one or more selected phenomenon.
Formerly called special purpose or applied maps, the range of subject matter which can be depicted is virtually unlimited. The maps shown here chart the distribution of breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Before the telephone and E-mail relegated this popular form of communication to travelers, postcards were the preferred mode of exchanging news by mail. As with stamps, collectors can specialize in postcards depicting maps. Printed in the millions, they offer an inexpensive and inexhaustible entree to miniature map collecting.