What is geographic scale?

Geographic scale is the "areal unit" that is used to show the map variable. County-level, for example, would show a different variable value for each county in Wisconsin.

Smaller geographic scales can show us more detail and more variation than counties. Census tracts and block groups are Census geographic scales that are both smaller than counties. Both Census tracts and block groups are created based on population, so they may be larger in more rural areas and smaller in urban areas.

County subdivisions are roughly the same as cities, villages, and towns, except that they are "subdivided" into separate units if they cross county lines.

What is racial equity focus? What is income focus?

The Expanding Access Dashboard aims to help Extension colleagues identify inequities in program access and program participation with populations who are underrepresented in Extension programming.

Turn on racial equity focus to highlight potentially underserved areas by race/ethnicity. Turn on income focus to identify areas where there may be higher rates of social, economic, health, and environmental disparities.

The main socioeconomic variable that you chose from the "Socioeconomic Variable" dropdown will still be shown on the map, but only areas that meet the equity focus critera will appear. Other areas will fade out.

About the Dashboard

This customizable dashboard tool is designed to build colleagues' capacity to understand their local context for expanding access and developing equitable programming.

The dashboard provides county-based educators, program managers, and Institute Directors with a reliable means to visualize and analyze socioeconomic factors and community-based assets as they develop and implement programs that focus on the needs of populations who are underrepresented and underserved in Wisconsin.

Contact Us

If you are interested in arranging a workshop for your area or program, please complete an OAIC Support Request Form.

For questions or comments, please contact:

Teresa Curtis Program Development and Implementation Specialist Office of Access, Inclusion, and Compliance teresa.curtis@wisc.edu