FAQ

We offer our maps in the following sizes for each finish type:

Framed Satin Paper Map

- 24 x 18 inches (26.5 x 20.5 inches with frame)

- 30 x 20 inches (34 x 24 inches with frame)

- 36 x 24 inches (40 x 28 inches with frame)

- 48 x 32 inches (51 x 35 inches with frame)

Framed Canvas Map

- 30 x 20 inches (34 x 24 inches with frame)

- 36 x 24 inches (40 x 28 inches with frame)

- 48 x 32 inches (51 x 35 inches with frame)

Canvas Wrap Map

- 30 x 20 inches

- 36 x 24 inches

- 39 x 26 inches

- 48 x 32 inches

Satin Paper Map

This map type is printed on photo satin paper, mounted onto a high quality pin board and then framed.

Framed Canvas Map

This map type is printed on canvas paper, mounted onto a high quality pin board and then framed.

Canvas Wrap Map

This map type is printed on canvas paper, mounted on a high quality pin board, and then wrapped around a wooden frame. You can see the edges of this map type wrap around the interior frame.

You can personalize a map with your family name for the title or compass rose.

Standard options include our most popular titles as shown in the main product listing images.

We offer our maps in the following sizes for each finish type:

Framed Satin Paper Map

24 x 18, 30 x 20, 36 x 24, 48 x 32 inches

Framed Canvas Map

30 x 20, 36 x 24, 48 x 32 inches

Canvas Wrap Map

30 x 20, 36 x 24, 39 x 26, 48 x 32 inches

Satin Paper Map

This map type is printed on photo satin paper, mounted onto a high quality pin board and then framed.

Framed Canvas Map

This map type is printed on canvas paper, mounted onto a high quality pin board and then framed.

Canvas Wrap Map

This map type is printed on canvas paper, mounted on a high quality pin board, and then wrapped around a wooden frame. You can see the edges of this map type wrap around the interior frame.

You can personalize a map with your family name for the title or compass rose.

Standard options include our most popular titles as shown in the main product listing images.

Both the Satin Paper and Canvas options are printed using fine art - archival inks and are designed to last for many decades.  

Satin Paper Pros: the color depth has more brilliancy with the smooth satin surface. It is a modern and fresh look. The mix of colors for the ocean depths and plate tectonics in the Voyager, Nautilus, and Darwin maps particularly show the incredibly complex geographical nature of the ocean - which is fun to explore.

The satin paper is less expensive than the canvas. The satin paper is faster to produce, frame and ship out to our customers.

Satin Paper Cons: when compared to the canvas, the satin paper does not have the rich texture.

If you were to take out map pins, it is visible when looking at it close up, yet when just a few feet away, it would be hard to see the small hole.

Canvas Pros: The texture and feel of the canvas is attractive. We use a premium canvas that has a fine-art glicee satin gloss so the canvas has a nice sheen - yet not too glossy. After testing many types of canvas samples, we found the USA made canvas that is perfect for our maps.   We use archival HP inks so the map will last for many decades.

The canvas will have a little edge over longevity. The weave is very tight to show the labels in the map clearly.

Canvas Cons: The cost of the canvas is naturally more than satin paper. If the satin paper and canvas were juxtaposed, the satin paper would have an edge on the depth of colors.  

If you were to take out a map pins, it is visible when looking at it close up, yet when just a few feet away, it would be hard to see the small hole.

Canvas wrap maps require more time to produce (1-2 weeks). We handcraft every frame using hardwood material.  

Pin Board Construction:

The Framed Satin Paper Maps, Framed Canvas Maps, and Canvas Wraps are mounted on a pin board and constructed as a push pin map. We use a special lamination technique that applies a two-sided laminate on the board and the map. It is run through heavy rolling equipment twice - once to laminate the pin board and a second time to embed the map into the board. This is something that we do which would be hard to do without the special equipment and lamination materials.

Build-A-Map is a custom application within our website that allows users to preview and edit their design options (titles, fonts, frames) in real time. While there will be no difference in the finished product, the process and prices are different.

Our regular catalog allows customization options as well but the user will not be able to preview these options. This requires us to create and send the customer a proof of their map. We must wait for the customer to approve their proof before we can send the map into production, which can increase the amount of time it takes to receive your map.

On the other hand, Build-A-Map shows the customer exactly what their map will look like with their custom options and thus eliminates the need for us to send the customer a proof. For this reason, maps ordered through Build-A-Map are slightly cheaper and typically ship faster.

Build-A-Map is a custom application within our website that allows users to preview and edit their design options (titles, fonts, frames) in real time. While there will be no difference in the finished product, the process and prices are different.

Our regular catalog allows customization options as well but the user will not be able to preview these options. This requires us to create and send the customer a proof of their map. We must wait for the customer to approve their proof before we can send the map into production, which can increase the amount of time it takes to receive your map.

On the other hand, Build-A-Map shows the customer exactly what their map will look like with their custom options and thus eliminates the need for us to send the customer a proof. For this reason, maps ordered through Build-A-Map are slightly cheaper and typically ship faster.

Both the Satin Paper and Canvas options are printed using fine art - archival inks and are designed to last for many decades.  

Satin Paper Pros: the color depth has more brilliancy with the smooth satin surface. It is a modern and fresh look. The mix of colors for the ocean depths and plate tectonics in the Voyager, Nautilus, and Darwin maps particularly show the incredibly complex geographical nature of the ocean - which is fun to explore.

The satin paper is less expensive than the canvas. The satin paper is faster to produce, frame and ship out to our customers.

Satin Paper Cons: when compared to the canvas, the satin paper does not have the rich texture.

If you were to take out map pins, it is visible when looking at it close up, yet when just a few feet away, it would be hard to see the small hole.

Canvas Pros: The texture and feel of the canvas is attractive. We use a premium canvas that has a fine-art glicee satin gloss so the canvas has a nice sheen - yet not too glossy. After testing many types of canvas samples, we found the USA made canvas that is perfect for our maps.   We use archival HP inks so the map will last for many decades.

The canvas will have a little edge over longevity. The weave is very tight to show the labels in the map clearly.

Canvas Cons: The cost of the canvas is naturally more than satin paper. If the satin paper and canvas were juxtaposed, the satin paper would have an edge on the depth of colors.  

If you were to take out a map pins, it is visible when looking at it close up, yet when just a few feet away, it would be hard to see the small hole.

Canvas wrap maps require more time to produce (1-2 weeks). We handcraft every frame using hardwood material.  

Pin Board Construction:

The Framed Satin Paper Maps, Framed Canvas Maps, and Canvas Wraps are mounted on a pin board and constructed as a push pin map. We use a special lamination technique that applies a two-sided laminate on the board and the map. It is run through heavy rolling equipment twice - once to laminate the pin board and a second time to embed the map into the board. This is something that we do which would be hard to do without the special equipment and lamination materials.

Yes, in most cases we can accommodate custom map sizes for unframed maps. We carry frames only for the sizes shown.

Contact us with any size request and we'll get back to you.

Yes, in most cases we can accommodate custom map sizes for unframed maps. We carry frames only for the sizes shown.

Contact us with any size request and we'll get back to you.

All materials that go into the production of our maps are made entirely in the USA. We produce our maps in a studio located in Pleasanton, CA (just east of San Francisco).

All materials that go into the production of our maps are made entirely in the USA. We produce our maps in a studio located in Pleasanton, CA (just east of San Francisco).

Yes you can use push pins with all of our maps, including our two canvas finish options. They all have a sturdy backing and allow for the placement of push pins.

Yes you can use push pins with all of our maps, including our two canvas finish options. They all have a sturdy backing and allow for the placement of push pins.

Standard Maps (with no personalized options):

Standard maps ship the fastest. Your map will go into production within 48 hours (business days) and will ship within one week. If you would like to receive your map as fast as possible, select standard options for your map.

Personalized Maps created with Build A Map:

Maps that are ordered using Build A Map are produced quickly. Your map will go into production within 48 hours (business days) and will ship within one week.

Personalized Maps that require a proof:

An additional 48 hours (business days) is required for most maps. Complex personalization takes more time.

The time that is takes to approve the map is dependent upon the customer.

After your map is approved, it will go into production within 48 hours (business days) and will be shipped within a week.

Standard Maps (with no personalized options):

Standard maps ship the fastest. Your map will go into production within 48 hours (business days) and will ship within one week. If you would like to receive your map as fast as possible, select standard options for your map.

Personalized Maps created with Build A Map:

Maps that are ordered using Build A Map are produced quickly. Your map will go into production within 48 hours (business days) and will ship within one week.

Personalized Maps that require a proof:

An additional 48 hours (business days) is required for most maps. Complex personalization takes more time.

The time that is takes to approve the map is dependent upon the customer.

After your map is approved, it will go into production within 48 hours (business days) and will be shipped within one week.

We ship anywhere in the United States and to certain APO boxes for military personnel.

Contact us if you are unsure whether you're eligible for shipping.

We ship anywhere in the United States and to certain APO boxes for military personnel.

Contact us if you are unsure whether you're eligible for shipping.

The amount of time it takes for your map to arrive depends on where you live and how fast you approve the proof if you’ve ordered a custom map.

General Shipping Times:

East Coast - 5 days after your map has shipped

Central - 4 days after your map has shipped

West Coast - 3 days after your map has shipped

The cost of shipping for all framed maps is $10.

Shipping is $5 for all map posters.

Shipping is free for map pins.

The amount of time it takes for your map to arrive depends on where you live and how fast you approve the proof if you’ve ordered a custom map.

General Shipping Times:

East Coast - 5 Days After Your Map Has Shipped

Central - 4 Days After Your Map Has Shipped

West Coast - 3 Days After Your Map Has Shipped

The cost of shipping for all framed maps is $10.

Shipping is $5 for all map posters.

Yes, we offer both Rush Processing and Expedited Shipping options.

Yes, we offer both Rush Processing and Expedited Shipping options.

All framed maps are assembled with coated wire and come ready to hang.

All posters are rolled and shipped in a tube. They do not include a frame.

All framed maps are assembled with coated wire and come ready to hang.

All posters are rolled and shipped in a tube. They do not include a frame.

All framed maps include push pins. Posters do not include push pins.

You can order additional push pins here.

All framed maps include push pins. Posters do not include push pins.

You can order push pins here.

Yes, you can frame your own map if you order a poster.

Yes, you can frame your own map if you order a poster.

Yes, you can! Check out our article on personalization options here.

Yes, you can! Check out our article on personalization options here.

When using the Building A Map application, you are creating your own proof. We do not send a second proof.

If you design your map through a product page, then yes, we will send a proof to the customer. We will not produce the map until you've approved the order.

We do not send proofs for standard maps as they don't require any customization. Standard maps ship the fastest.

When using the Building A Map application, you are creating your own proof. We do not send a second proof.

If you design your map through a product page, then yes, we will send a proof to the customer. We will not produce the map until you've approved the order.

We do not send proofs for standard maps as they don't require any customization. Standard maps ship the fastest.