Accessibility for Maps, GIS in the news, a job opening at MnGeo, and State of the Map US!

Minnesota GIS News

News from the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office

Accessibility for Maps

Thick glasses on top of an atlas

If you've ever wondered what it takes to make a map more accessible for everyone, you're in luck! Minnesota IT Services staff in the Office of Accessibility and the Geospatial Information Office have created resources for just that purpose. They include printable "quick card" guides and design guides for both digital (interactive) and static maps.

Maps tell a story. They tell us where we are, where we’ve been, and where we are going. Proper planning and design can make your story accessible to a wider audience. Learn more at the Map Accessibility web page.


Sales Tax Rate Map recognized with two awards

The Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Sales Tax Rate Map recently won two awards for its innovative concept and design, and its clear, effective approach to meeting customer needs.

The Sales Tax Rate Map won a Minnesota State Government Innovation Award for its work in encouraging an environment of experimentation and innovation in Minnesota. The application also won the Center for Plain Language’s ClearMark Award for Digital Apps and Microsites that is presented to the best plain language content created by North American governments, companies, and organizations.

Screen grab of the sales tax rate map

GIS Specialist opening at MNIT

MNIT's Geospatial Information Office is hiring a GIS Specialist position under the Information Technology Specialist 3 job classification. This position will have responsibilities such as GIS solution development, database development, system administration, and outreach. More information is available within the job posting. Applications will be accepted until August 16, 2019.


State of the Map US 2019 logo

State of the Map US Conference in Minneapolis

The State of the Map US conference, which will include talks on the past, present, and future of the OpenStreetMap community, will take place in Minneapolis September 6-8, 2019. Topics such as the intersection of open mapping and cities, community mapping, routing and transportation will be addressed.

More information, including ticket sales and the conference program, are available at the conference website


Minnesota IT Services Geospatial Information Office Logo