An officially sanctioned cartographic representation delineating the boundaries of Iowa’s 99 constituent counties. It serves as a geographical reference tool showcasing the spatial organization of administrative divisions within the state. For instance, such a representation would clearly illustrate the location of Polk County in relation to its neighbors, such as Dallas and Warren counties.
These geographic depictions are crucial for various applications, including governmental administration, logistical planning, economic analysis, and emergency response. Historical iterations reflect changes in county lines due to population shifts, annexation, or other political considerations. The availability of accurate county delineations facilitates efficient resource allocation, targeted service delivery, and informed decision-making across diverse sectors.