The paper is dealing with thematic maps, which represent important sources of information utilised in landscape ecology. The focus is on thematic maps rather than on atlases or other collections of cartographic works. The aim of this contribution is to evaluate the role and position of thematic maps, which are utilised in the field of landscape ecology. Furthermore the paper presents a basic classification of thematic maps, the process of their creation and influences, to which purposeful creation of thematic maps underlies. The authors also discuss about trends in de­velopment of thematic maps used in landscape ecological oriented tasks, including interactive maps and about the informative and educative functions of thematic maps. Part of the paper deals with errors, which often occur in thematic maps that are being created as part of tasks and projects related to territorial planning, landscape protection and assessment of landscape features etc. In the conclu­sion authors summarise the important role of thematic maps in landscape ecological research and functions, which fulfil these maps.