The forefront of diplomacy: making maps at the State Department

A cartographer at the State Department's Geographic Information Unit within the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) plays a crucial role in providing independent, all-source analysis and map-making to aid U.S. foreign policy decisions. Positioned at the intersection of intelligence and diplomacy, the unit is responsible for advising, briefing, and coordinating with policymakers on various global issues, often in real-time due to the proximity to policymakers. Notable tasks include creating maps for high-profile events such as China's territorial assertions and the Rohingya crisis, as well as rapidly evolving situations like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where the unit operates like a newsroom to deliver frequent updates on military movements, humanitarian efforts, and refugee situations. The work involves constant updates to visualize the complex and dynamic geopolitical environment effectively.