Issue Map

What Is It Good For?

Issue maps are simplified maps showing issues, demands, and resources. You can use an issue map to generate options, ensure solutions cover all issues, and analyze the interrelationships between demands and resources. This is a simple, off-the-cuff analysis akin to the much more detailed Geographic Information System analyses. You can quickly draw issue maps in meetings or briefings to give a general idea of what occurs where.

To show how parameters and issues affect each other, identify and chart needs on a map. This can be a map of a geographical area or a linear process. Maps can be highly stylized--spatial accuracy is not required for this overview. Showing needs on a map can highlight relationships, focus efforts, and foster a wider understanding of the problemshed.

How Do I Use It?

1. Decide what issues, concerns, demands, and resources you want to map.
2. Start with either an existing map of the area or a roughed-out sketch.
3. Sketch out these issues, using a consistent color scheme (e.g., blue for water supplies, green for water demands, yellow for endangered species).
4. Confirm the conceptual, basic accuracy with others.

Go On