This is in contrast to general reference maps, which regularly show the variety of phenomena-geological, geographical, political-together.

While general reference maps show where something is in space, thematic maps tell a story about that place (e.g., city map).

Prince William County, VA provides this site as a general reference map for public services.

In mapping, the NHD is used with other data themes such as elevation, boundaries, and transportation to produce general reference maps.

The distinction here appears to be the type of map that is generally created, with the cartographer more often producing general reference maps and the geographic cartographer more often producing thematic maps.