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The SCO publishes a series of guides covering various mapping topics in relation to Wisconsin. These guides serve as general introductions to mapping, surveying, land information systems, and other spatial technologies, as well as to the governmental institutions and programs which relate to these subjects. They are available online in PDF format. |
Contents
- Geodetic Control
- GPS Base Station Developments
- Geologic Mapping
- Soil Mapping
- Topographic Mapping
- Magnetic Declination
Geodetic Control
Published in 1992, this 16-page guide provides a broad discussion on what
geodetic control is, why it is important, what it is used for, and its current
condition within the state. You can view an online
version of this guide (787 KB).
GPS Base Station Developments
Published in 1993, this four-page guide offers a brief summary of the global
positioning system (GPS) and the concepts of GPS base station technology.
This guide was prepared in support of the Wisconsin Department of Administration's
GPS Base Station Task Force, a group established to explore and coordinate
statewide issues involved with GPS base station technology. In addition
to the task force recommendations, the guide briefly covers GPS technology,
error sources, differential GPS, the base station concept, real-time vs.
post-processing methods, and federal plans for GPS base station networks.
You can view an online version of this guide
(224 KB).
Geologic Mapping
Published in 1994, this 12-page guide is an introduction to modern geologic
mapping, its standards, processes, and products, from a Wisconsin perspective.
Geologic maps are designed and used for many purposes and can tell us much
about the earth's history, composition, and relationship to human activities.
They represent one of the most important sources of natural resource information
currently available on a nationwide basis. The status of geologic mapping
in Wisconsin is reviewed in this guide. You can view
an online version of this guide (724 KB).
Soil Mapping
Published in 1997, this 16-page guide provides a broad discussion of the
various forms of soil mapping, how they differ, when or where they are used,
and the current status of and future plans for soils mapping within the
state. This guide should be particularly helpful to those seeking information
concerning the availability of modern or digital soils data as it relates
to the Wisconsin Land Information Program requirements. You can
view an online version of this guide (1.23 Mb).
Topographic Mapping
This guide consists of an original 12-page introduction published in 1992
and a revised four-page brief published in 1998.
The original guide highlights the status of federally-produced topographic mapping in Wisconsin. Topics covered include how U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangles are made, how and when revisions are produced and funded, a discussion of accuracy standards, and the availability of digital map data. Of particular note is the inclusion of two lists giving the location, address, and phone numbers of the USGS topographic map sales outlets and map depository libraries within the State of Wisconsin. You can view an online version of this guide (12.9 Mb).
The revised version includes discussions on new topics such as digital map scale and digital raster graphics (DRGs). You can view an online version of this guide (111 KB).
Magnetic Declination
Published in 1999, this four-page guide familiarizes the reader with concepts
of magnetic declination, its changes over time, and maps that show magnetic
declination values. Of specific interest is a map that shows current magnetic
declination values across the state and their expected rates of annual change.
Sources of other magnetic declination information are also included. You can view an online version of this guide (321 KB).