National Geographic
Maps
Our favorite expression is "Nobody ever got fired for
buying a National Geographic Map." They are the gold standard for
decorative and informative maps. They are probably America's oldest mapmakers,
also known as cartographers. When Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin got together
at Yalta to carve up Europe after World War II, they used a National Geographic
map. Today they have gone from the world of pen & ink cartography to the most
advanced digital map making center in the World.
What makes National Geographic Maps special?
Let's start with the paper. They use only the finest paper
in both texture, weight and finish. Next is the ink. The inks on some maps
can smudge and fade. Our experience is that National Geographic maps show less
fade than any other map we carry. Our course it takes more than quality
materials to make an excellent map. It has to have cartography that clearly
depicts the intended geography. Here's what is special about National Geographic
cartography.
In world maps, they pioneered the use of the Tripp-Winkel
projection. This projection is known for its ability to show a round map on a
flat surface with the least distortion. Many maps distort the relative area of
continents as they project the globe on to a flat map. The next famous
trait of a National Geographic map is the way they show political boundaries.
Their maps show political boundaries with a unique colored shade around each
border. This method allows for a clear delineation of each boundary. (usually
different countries or US states) without the heavy coloring across the whole
map that can partially obscure important text.
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mapguy at mapshop.com (please replace the "at" and spaces with the @ symbol)
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