Final answer:
Choropleth maps and dot-density maps are both types of thematic maps, with the former using varying colors to represent data and the latter using dots to visualize phenomena distribution. Special-purpose maps and physical maps do not fall under the thematic map category.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided, choropleth maps and dot-density maps are both types of thematic maps. A thematic map is designed to communicate a particular theme connected with a specific geographic area. These maps can illustrate a variety of topics such as population density, climate data, or economic trends among others.
Choropleth maps represent data through varying shades or colors in defined areas. This type of map is useful for showing qualitative differences in data, such as population density or per capita income across different regions. On the other hand, dot-density maps use dots to represent the presence or quantity of a phenomena, thereby providing a visual representation of distribution patterns.
While special-purpose maps are indeed a type of map, they are not specifically thematic as they can include a variety of different map types designed for specific purposes. Physical maps, which depict the physical features of an area such as mountains, rivers, and lakes, are more concerned with geographical features and topology, rather than thematic data.