Maps
What is a map?
A map is a graphic representation of reality drawn to scale using geometry, technology, art, and cartographic techniques. All maps are concerned with two fundamental elements of reality: locations and attributes at locations.
Locations are positions in two- or three-dimensional space. Attributes at locations are some qualities or magnitudes of the location, such as languages or temperature. From these two basic elements, maps display relationships that can be either measured or identified, such as distance, pattern, or interactions.
Most maps fall into several broad functional categories:
general
maps showing positional relationships,
such as topography, roads, boundaries, coastlines, survey data, or
planning-zoning maps - thematic maps showing variations or relationships among attributes, such as election results, population, diversity, income, temperature, or economic data
- charts are used for reference on land or water, such as roadmaps, nautical charts, aeronautical charts, transportation, or hazards
The complexity of the world means that all maps must reduce detail down to just a few important attributes to reflect the purpose of the map. Designing a map, or cartography, portrays your purpose by printing or electronically displaying an assembly of images, symbols, and now video or sound. The cartographer's craft is to communicate the map's purpose through its visual elements and organization, but ultimately the reader draws their own meaning from any map.
Cartography at UW-Madison
Over the last 50 years, the Cartography Lab has created virtually every kind and size of map. Map projects have been completed for a wide variety of academic, commercial, and individual customers (see Clients).
The Cartography Lab staff have access to the world-class resources of
the Department of Geography academic staff, the Geography
Library with over 50,000 volumes, and the Robinson
Map Library with over 500,000 maps and aerial photographs.
If you are considering a new map or design project, please browse a sample of print projects, digital projects, and graphic deign projects from the menu at left. Then see the "How to Estimate" page.
A Sample of Maps
These downloadable maps were created by the Cartography Lab staff to provide a basic idea of map types. They are intended for personal and educational use only.
