Maps
• Base Maps
• Earth-Related Maps
• Water-Related Maps
• Cadastral Maps
• Government District Maps
• Infrastructure Maps
• Recreational Maps
• Other
Base Maps
Base maps depict natural and cultural features on the earth's surface using traditional point, line, and area symbols. Text and accurately scaled photographic or digitally created images, such as orthophotographs are also used. Relief, or topography, on base maps is generally depicted by curved contour lines. Base maps are often a series of maps covering a large area and produced to the same specifications. They are typically scaled and developed on a defined projection and meet measurable standards of accuracy, consistency and completeness. These maps are not only used as direct sources of information, but also as general reference for developing and integrating other information. We offer information on state maps, county maps, topographic maps, photogrammetric base maps, orthophotographs, and our own Wisconsin Outline Maps series.
Earth-Related Maps
These maps depict information about physical aspects of the earth, such as geology, soil, landcover, weather and climate, vegetation, landforms, magnetic declination, and gravity anomaly. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are also discussed.
Water-Related Maps
These maps portray hydrographic features such as lakes, wetlands, groundwater and floodplains. Navigational charts also fall under this section.
Cadastral Maps
Cadastral maps depict land ownership information, typically used for purposes of taxation, planning, zoning, assessment and permit granting. parcel maps, plat books, and land use maps are discussed.
Government District Maps
Government District Maps which serve regulatory and administrative purposes are often based upon cadastral maps because they support aspects of land-use planning, facility management, or land management programs that require parcel information. They include census maps, school district maps, and zip code maps.
Infrastructure Maps
Road, railroad and utility maps support facility management functions and show the relationship between facilities and land ownership or other features.
Recreational Maps
Some recreational activities around the state of Wisconsin are bicycling, snowmobiling, SCUBA diving, fishing & hunting, cross country skiing & hiking, boating & canoeing, and birdwatching.
Other
Some miscellaneous map sources and topics are geographic names, Wisconsin geography statistics, travel atlases, historical maps and cultural maps.
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• Base Maps
• Earth-Related Maps
• Water-Related Maps
• Cadastral Maps
• Government District Maps
• Infrastructure Maps
• Recreational Maps
• Other
The Maps section provides information about a variety of maps and mapping-related topics in Wisconsin and across the country. As mapping technology and map products continue to evolve, it is essential for users to understand the resources available. These pages are intended as a general introduction and guide to various sources for both hard-copy and digital maps.
Please note that the Wisconsin State Cartographer's Office does not make or produce maps. We are a clearinghouse for those in search of specific cartographic publications or other information. In our Publications section we offer some specialty maps as well as topical guides, handbooks, software, and issues of our quarterly bulletin about mapping activities in Wisconsin.
Base Maps
Base maps depict natural and cultural features on the earth's surface using traditional point, line, and area symbols. Text and accurately scaled photographic or digitally created images, such as orthophotographs are also used. Relief, or topography, on base maps is generally depicted by curved contour lines. Base maps are often a series of maps covering a large area and produced to the same specifications. They are typically scaled and developed on a defined projection and meet measurable standards of accuracy, consistency and completeness. These maps are not only used as direct sources of information, but also as general reference for developing and integrating other information. We offer information on state maps, county maps, topographic maps, photogrammetric base maps, orthophotographs, and our own Wisconsin Outline Maps series.
Earth-Related Maps
These maps depict information about physical aspects of the earth, such as geology, soil, landcover, weather and climate, vegetation, landforms, magnetic declination, and gravity anomaly. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are also discussed.
Water-Related Maps
These maps portray hydrographic features such as lakes, wetlands, groundwater and floodplains. Navigational charts also fall under this section.
Cadastral Maps
Cadastral maps depict land ownership information, typically used for purposes of taxation, planning, zoning, assessment and permit granting. parcel maps, plat books, and land use maps are discussed.
Government District Maps
Government District Maps which serve regulatory and administrative purposes are often based upon cadastral maps because they support aspects of land-use planning, facility management, or land management programs that require parcel information. They include census maps, school district maps, and zip code maps.
Infrastructure Maps
Road, railroad and utility maps support facility management functions and show the relationship between facilities and land ownership or other features.
Recreational Maps
Some recreational activities around the state of Wisconsin are bicycling, snowmobiling, SCUBA diving, fishing & hunting, cross country skiing & hiking, boating & canoeing, and birdwatching.
Other
Some miscellaneous map sources and topics are geographic names, Wisconsin geography statistics, travel atlases, historical maps and cultural maps.
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