This paper is addressed to the issue of specific arrangement of thematic maps in atlases. The map gradation is the logical and inevitable purposeful arrangement of maps from simpler to more complex ones, from analytical to complex and synthetic, always related with a single topic. Gradation allows the reader to better understand the contents of maps, reliably read information from them, and finally, on the basis of the knowledge context to better understand map content and make right decisions in life. An example of successful implementation of the map gradation is demonstrated in the example of maps of nature embedded in the recently published Atlas of the landscape of the Czech Republic (2009). Gradation was properly carried out in a number of geological, energy and soil maps, and also in the case of synthetic maps on the natural landscape of the Czech Republic. The starting points for the construction of a gradation map set are represented by analytic maps on individual components of natural landscapes dealing with various aspects of the sub-problems. Synthetic maps represent the area typology according to in a form of the homogeneous component area units spatially repeating, while continuing regionalization maps show the distribution of unique individual and heterogeneous geographic units bearing their own geographical names. Tightening the gradation maps into the partial (component) or full (landscape) synthesis motivates atlas readers for the better understanding of the relationships between phenomena and objects in the landscape. It also motivates local expert to develop synthetic maps into further detail in a smaller area.