UNSC Cartographer Initiative
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
The UNSC Cartographer Initiative is a UNSC recruiting program for aspiring War Games simulation program map designers. With many departments stretched thin as the UNSC struggles to maintain a cohesive presence across colonized space, the military began the UNSC Cartographer Initiative to recruit much needed map designers. This led to an influx of fledgling simulation environments incorporating new architectural ideologies and advanced tactical challenges to help keep the Spartan Branch operating efficiently.[1]
Production notes
First mentioned in issue 68 of Canon Fodder, the UNSC Cartographer Initiative is the in-universe explanation for the presence of Forge maps in Halo multiplayer.