Sources for county maps:
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Local Government
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation
- Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
- Other Sources
U.S. Geological Survey
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) produces 1:100,000-scale county maps for each of the 72 counties in Wisconsin. These maps show topographic features including contours and elevation in meters, highways, roads and other manmade structures, water features, woodland areas, and geographic names. These maps vary in size depending on the particular county. USGS county maps in Wisconsin were generally produced between 1976 and 1990.
The U.S. Geological Survey also produces 7.5-minute quadrangular maps. There are 1154 quads covering the entire state of Wisconsin. For example, it takes 20 quads to cover all of Richland County. Each map sheet measures about 22" x 27" although without the border, the ground area on each sheet occupies about 17" x 23". The 100K county maps are compiled from these quads. See our topographic maps page for more information.
Local Government
As part of the Wisconsin Land Information Program, several counties have begun developing new base maps. Many of these are fully digital files produced to meet a defined accuracy at a given scale. These digital maps generally are compiled from stereo aerial photographs and typically depict road centerlines, water feature boundaries, and other visible land features. Check with your Land Information Officer (LIO) for further information on availability of local government produced maps.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) also produces county maps. Each one shows the county boundaries, roads, and cities. These maps are produced at both 8.5" X 11" and 18" X 24" sizes at respective costs of $0.50 and $1.20. Town roads are named on the 18" X 24" maps, they are not named on the 8.5" X 11" maps. The 8.5" X 11" maps are also available from WisDOT as a full state set in a three-ring binder.
WI Geological and Natural History Survey
The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) produces a series of glacial, bedrock or soil-attenuation maps for a limited number of Wisconsin counties. These maps use a USGS topographic map base and are available from the WGNHS.
Other Sources
"Wisconsin County Maps" book contains 128-pages with eleven pages holding indices to municipalities and lakes. Also identified are fishing areas, schools, and campgrounds. Visit Clarkson Map Company for details.
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