The primary function of the MI Geographic Framework is to provide a statewide base-map which stores reference information for the purpose of geographic analysis. Among the features included in the Framework product: roads, rivers, lakes, streams, railroads, political jurisdiction boundaries, power lines, pipelines, and other miscellaneous features. Additional map features that may have other functional applications are also included in the base map. These features include school district boundaries, census area tabulation boundaries, legislative district boundaries, precinct boundaries, and ZIP Code boundaries.

As a program, the framework serves as the mechanism for maintaining a statewide base map that is both current and relevant for supporting Michigan's business applications. The program is designed to keep the map current both directly and indirectly. Directly, partners will provide map and attribute information periodically via their business applications by signaling changes that need to be made to the map. Indirectly, the Center for Geographic Information will continue to integrate other more current and accurate GIS work from local agencies. The program also is designed to keep the user community always in sync with current version of the products through the dissemination of change files, metadata, documentation, training, and support.

Specifically, this base map will consist of features and attributes in the current TIGER/Line Files, base map features in the MDNR MIRIS Files and an enhanced linear referencing system built from the Michigan Accident Location Index (MALI). The Geographic Framework will serve as a common and standardized infrastructure on which all GIS users of 1:24,000 scale map data can build their applications. At the heart of the Geographic Framework will be the ability to administer programs that use location-based information and need to relate one database to another geographically.