Classed cloropleth maps the data scale is grouped in standardized classes, so that in comparing diferent regions or areas, the same classes and color schemes allow for an easy comparison of the similarities and differences. The example below looks at the population percentages, breking them down into a commonly used class structure.
Found - http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/10/70010-004-BBFE93FB.gif
This blog is a map catalog in which I am displaying fifty different types of maps and a tid-bit of information that looks into the purpose of the map!