Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve

MADELINE ISLAND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM

Description of Project
The Madeline Island GIS project is a computerized mapping system containing detailed information on current Island land-use, vegetation, topography, soils, ownership, roads & trails, and so on. This database actually consists of 10 separate layers (maps) that are geographically precise so that they can be overlain one with another on a computer (or printed output). Because all data are stored digitally, different types of information can be quantitatively "distilled" from the database.

These data are available for citizens to use during the land use planning process. The maps, charts and graphs will help answer questions about wetlands, steep slopes, future build-out scenarios etc. to help plan for future growth in appropriate places. Local committees charged with decisions about land use, building permits, zoning, wetlands and other development issues may use the GIS database on an ongoing basis. The data are also used for conservation planning of Wilderness Preserve lands on the Island, including mapping the Hiking and Ski Trails.

A Sampler from the Madeline GIS Project: The center image is composed of 1999 black/white aerial photos of the island with updated roads and driveways added. The upper left image is a small portion of the land records data from Ashland County. Each record is linked to its correct location on the map. The lower right is a portion of a 1983 color infrared aerial photo, which was used along with other current sources to map the different types of land cover (vegetation) of the island.

Need for the GIS Project
Madeline Island is struggling with fast growth and increased development. In the next few years the Town and Ashland County will be preparing a comprehensive plan to manage and direct the growth to preserve community character and the quality of life. However, before a long-range comprehensive plan is developed, detailed information is needed about the landscape. A Geographic Information System can provide critical information about the land to inform land use planning and expand citizen involvement in planning.

Project Support
The MIWP gratefully acknowledges the following organizations and individuals for supporting the Madeline Island Geographic Information System:

Apostle Island Area Community Fund

Mary H. Rice Foundation

Wisconsin Coastal Management Program

Rogers Foundation

Madeline Island Ferry Line

MIWP Members

View Madeline Island from the Air
Maps and aerial photos from the Madeline GIS project will soon be viewable on-line at this web site. You will be able to view and navigate:

Multiple layers (maps and photos) that can be overlain and viewed at different resolutions (zooming in/out), including the ability to measure distances and areas.
Detailed and precise maps of land-use, vegetation, roads and trails, and topography, and high-resolution aerial photographs.
A selection of oblique aerial photographs with a location-finder showing some of the more interesting geographic features of the island.

Purchase the Madeline Island GIS
The complete GIS package and basic software for viewing and manipulating the various data layers (maps) was created on a CD/DVD set that is available for purchase by MIWP members and the public. The software will run on both PC and Mac platforms but requires installation and some familiarity with your computer’s operating system and file structure. It is not “plug and play”. Installation Instructions and a User Guide are included on disk.

The cost (shipping included) is:		$75.00 (MIWP members) $100.00 (non members)
Orders should be sent to:		Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve P.O. Box 28 La Pointe, WI 54850

Checks should be made out to: MIWP GIS; allow 2-3 weeks for delivery

La Pointe from the Air - May, 2003