Find Maps

Our Maps section provides information about a variety of maps and mapping-related topics in Wisconsin and across the country. These pages are intended as a general introduction and guide to various sources for both hard-copy and digital maps.

Categories of Maps:
• Base Maps
• Earth-Related Maps
• Water-Related Maps
• Cadastral Maps
• Government District Maps
• Infrastructure Maps
• Recreational Maps
• Other

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 mapping-related information sheets, topical guides, and handbooks. We also frequently update our Wisconsin Mapping Bulletin about geospatial activities in Wisconsin.

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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 county maps, orthophotographs, photogrammetry, state maps, and topographic maps.

Earth-Related Maps

These maps depict information about physical aspects of the earth, such as geology, gravity anomaly, landcover, landforms, magnetic declination, soil, vegetation, and weather and climate. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and the Wisconsin Land Economic Inventory (Bordner Survey Maps) are also discussed.

Water-Related Maps

These maps portray hydrographic features such as floodplains, groundwater, lakes, and wetlands. 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. Land use maps, parcel maps, and plat books 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

Railroad, road, 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, birdwatching, fishing & hunting, SCUBA diving, cross-country skiing & hiking, and snowmobiling.

Other

Some miscellaneous map sources and topics are geographic names, historical maps, travel atlases, and Wisconsin geography statistics.

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