The processes of making landuse maps are introduced in detail.The authors propose that legend design and algebraic overlay operations using temporal series landuse maps are key processes.The basic principles of map making are discussed as simple,practical,visual,expressive and standard.Using 1993 and 2000 Thematic Mapper(TM) images for the surrounding districts of Xiaolangdi Reservoir,the authors analyzed landuse changes and produced a map representing landuse changes from before the construction of the reservoir to after its completion.A transfer matrix of landuse changes is also presented and the results are discussed.