This is a fun map of Wisconsin using LEGO bricks. On this 32*32 base board, each 1*1
brick represents 10*10
square miles in reality. The terrain is physically represented at five different
levels in elevation, which has different
base heights and different color bricks at top: dark green, light green,
cream/beige, light brown, dark brown.
Transparent blue bricks are used to represent major lakes in and around Wisconsin.
On top of the terrain layer, a
city layer is added using 3d flags (Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay) or star symbols,
illustrating the major cities.
All map elements are
included: title, north arrow, legend, neatline, metadata.
Here is a clear digital version without label as a beautiful graphic:
This map won the Most Unique Map, Best Student Map, President’s Choice, People’s
Choice (Adult) in Wisconsin Land Information Association (WLIA) 2024 Map
Contest, and is featured in news by UW-Madison Geography Department.
The map is currently archived and on display in the Arthur H. Robinson
Map
Library located at the 3rd floor of historic Science
Hall (550 N Park St, Madison, WI 53706).
During Esri User Conference in July 2024, this map was selected by Esri's President
Jack Dangermond to be featured during the Plenary Session.
In September 2024, this map won the Commended Award of Garsdale
Design Award for 3D Mapping, by British Cartographic Society.
An upgraded version of the physical LEGO map was displayed in the Map Gallery of North American Cartographic Information Society 2024 Annual Conference at Tacoma, Washington.
This map is also selected to be published on the next volume (Vol.40) of Esri Map Book, in 2025.