The Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office recently completed a new Strategic Framework, building on and advancing concepts from our previous strategic plans. The Framework lists a number of strategic priorities, reflecting our core mission and vision for the future of mapping and GIS in the state. The Framework is not a specific plan of action, but rather a chart to guide our path forward, by helping ensure that activities align to our strategic priorities.
The new Strategic Framework was developed over 2023-24 by SCO staff. A smaller team — composed of Ann Buschhaus, Jim Lacy and Howard Veregin — coordinated staff discussions, collected and edited comments from staff, and honed the results down to create the final document.
Strategic Priorities
The new Framework lists seven strategic priorities.
The Wisconsin Idea. Embody the Wisconsin Idea by expanding the use of maps and GIS in all corners of the state, including private citizens, government agencies, non-profits, educational institutions and the private sector.
Educational Content. Develop and deliver educational content to ensure map and GIS users have the information and resources they need to work effectively.
Data Development and Access. Facilitate the creation, discovery, distribution and utilization of geospatial data needed by users.
Student Development. Help educate the next generation of map and GIS professionals.
Coordination and Leadership. Encourage the effective functioning of the mapping/GIS community in the state through coordination and leadership.
Collaboration and Capacity Building. Support the mutual strengthening of mapping/GIS skills and expertise through collaborations with other people, groups and organizations. In this way, build capacity within the office and the community simultaneously to allow us to take on more challenging efforts in the future.
Organizational Enhancement. Do our jobs effectively and efficiently, in a working environment we enjoy, to produce results that have a meaningful impact on the lives of Wisconsin’s citizens.
Mission and Vision
The SCO’s mission is to foster the development of Wisconsin’s geospatial community by facilitating the creation and exchange of geospatial data, services, and information, and promoting their use in support of education, innovation, and delivery of services to the state’s citizens.
Our vision is a Wisconsin geospatial community that is well‐informed, supported, and collaborative, and that operates on complete, up‐to‐date, integrated information for effective analysis and service delivery.
More Information
More information about the SCO can be found here on our website. This page includes a link to the Strategic Framework document as well as past Annual Reports of the SCO.
The State Cartographer position was created in 1973 by the Wisconsin Legislature and assigned to the University of Wisconsin. The University created the State Cartographer’s Office (SCO) to assist the State Cartographer in performance of the following statutory duties:
- Maintain a catalog of maps of Wisconsin available in municipal, county, state, and federal agencies;
- Promote cooperation amongst municipal, county, state, and federal mapping agencies and surveyors to facilitate coordination and information exchange;
- Stay up-to-date on the progress made by mapping agencies;
- Disseminate information about innovations in mapping techniques and procedures, map and air photo indexes, control data, data accuracy standards, legal aspects of map publication, and other topics in order to facilitate an effective mapping program for the state;
- Publish special maps to promote the mapping of the state and the use of maps by individuals, as long as these maps are not within the activities of another state or commercial agency;
- Assist the Department of Natural Resources in its work as the state representative of the US Board on Geographic Names and its other functions.
- The specific statutory language can be found in section 36.25(12m) of state statutes.
If you have questions about our new Strategic Framework, please reach out. Phone (608) 262-3065 Email