HIGH-RES, DIGITALLY BASED MAPS
We create our maps on a proprietary digital cartographic system developed solely to publish our products. Our map images are always sharp and clear since we use vector graphics to generate our prints, which are printed at very high resolution—no jaggies here. (Images of our maps on the website are low resolution and don’t match the fine detail of our prints—though the images represent the look and colors pretty well.)
PAPER & PRINTING SPECS
Our staff prints wall maps on demand as orders are received using wide-format high-precision inkjet printers that reproduce vivid hues and fine gradations. We use glossy resin-coated photographic papers of a minimum weight of 200 gm (that’s the equivalent of a fairly stiff paper on which photos are reproduced), which is excellent for laminating and professional mounting. Only genuine Canon inks are used in the printing process, so the prints are highly resistant to fading and near archival quality—these are not “poster maps.” In essence, these map prints are comparable to the giclee prints you purchase in an art gallery—but a lot less expensive!
LAMINATED PRINTS
Lamination provides a greater degree of protection to the surface of the print. We use a 6 mil ultraviolet protective film that greatly reduces the rate of fading to which all inks are susceptible. We laminate prints only on the image side to allow the print to be mounted by the customer. Laminated prints can be mounted and framed without the use of a pane of glass—making for a much lighter weight final presentation. The surface of the lamination can be wiped clean or dusted with a damp rag. Some customers, especially teachers, use dry erase markers and erasers on the laminated surface.
TO LAMINATE, OR NOT TO LAMINATE
Laminate does have tradeoffs (aside from the higher price). If you plan to have your print professionally framed, purchase a regular print or talk to your framer first—there is no need to laminate when matting and framing a map behind glass. The laminate surface is not as glossy as the regular print surface, so the shapes and colors are very slightly muted. On close inspection, laminated surfaces sometimes have tiny ridges, or occasional minute bubbles, which are customary (and not very noticeable), unlike the perfectly smooth surface of the regular prints. Most full service copy shops have a wide format laminator if you change your mind after you already have the map. Also, please allow up to an additional week for your order of laminated maps, depending on stock.
POCKET MAPS
Pocket maps, on the other hand, are printed commercially in large quantities and inventoried items. The smaller maps, such as the Manistee River Map & River Guide are printed on resilient 100# glossy coated paper. Larger maps, such as the Northwest Michigan Pocket Map are printed on a slightly thinner, more appropriate weight of paper to allow the folding of the larger sized 36″ x 27″ sheet on which it’s printed. We do not offer laminated versions of pocket maps, but paddlers often have their pocket map laminated at a local copy shop.
SHIPPING & HANDLING
After printing, your wall map order will be rolled and inserted into a sturdy cardboard tube. The cardboard tube is packed into a larger sturdy cardboard mailing tube similar to above and shipped to you by FEDEX. We ship only within the United States. Rates for shipping wall maps vary from $12 to $20 depending on the distance from our facility in Northwest Michigan and the cost will be shown before final checkout. Pocket maps cost $2 for shipping—regardless of quantity. When not bundled with wall maps, pocket maps are mailed in envelopes through US Mail. We rarely have problems with our delivery system, but if your package arrives damaged or becomes missing, contact us and we’ll make it right.
HOW TO REMOVE A MAP FROM THE SHIPPING TUBE
Please follow these directions when removing prints from the shipping tube. 1) Wash and dry your hands. 2) Open the tube end and locate the map in the tube. 3) If necessary, jar the tube so that the map slides close to the end of the tube. 4) Reach into the tube with two fingers and gently place them on the map near the edge, then twist your fingers to tighten the coil of the map. 5) When the diameter of the twisted map becomes small enough that the map loosens from the inner walls of the tube, gently draw the map out of the tube. NOTE: If multiple maps are shipped in a tube, they must be extracted one at a time by the above method.
RETURNS
We will replace maps that arrive at your destination damaged. Otherwise, all sales are final.
RETAIL OUTLETS
If you would like to see and handle our maps in person, click here for a list of our retail outlets.
CONTACT US
Please feel free to contact us with any questions.