This paper presents the current state of thematic mapping with microcomputers. It is intended to afford social scientists a view of the potential of using microcomputer-generated thematic maps as data presentation and research tools. Readers will take from this work an understanding of the types of map they might use for research and data presentation, an understanding of the general process of creating maps with microcomputers, and a view of the capabilities of microcomputer-based mapping software. Graphic images of five types of thematic map are presented. Keywords: thematic maps, microcomputers, microcomputer graphics, mapping software, graphic data display.