How to: Print Maps

We had a recent request on the best way to print maps so here is my guide on the best way I know how:

Overview:

• The map size is indicated by it's grid size.
• A 30x30 grid map is intended to be 30"x 30" or 762mm x 762mm.
• One standard square grid is 1"x 1" or 25.4mm x 25.4mm.
• The PPI or Pixels per inch indicates the resolution of the map
• To figure out the total resolution you can examine the properties of the image or do the Math
• Overall pixel size is PPI x Grid Size in inches
• Be warned that printing to size will take plenty of ink!
• Wow, that means a 50x50 map is pretty big! We might need a bigger table to handle that.

For printing maps we have a couple of options:

• Print to scale via one large page at your local print store
• Print to scale via small pages taped together
• Print a scaled version of the map

Print to scale via one large page at your local print store

• Your local print store should have an architecture print size or a banner size
• These prints typically range up to 5'x10' or 60x120 in grid size
• The price ranges usually from $20-$150, depending on the size
• This is a great option for a city, world, or commonly used map

Print to scale via small pages taped together

• The best tool I have found for this is The Rasterbator
• Another tool is PosteRazor (allows WEBP files)
• 100% free!
• It takes the image you want printed and will break it up into several pages via the page size you select
• You can do this manually, but it is maddening to align everything with more than 6 pages

Step by Step with The Rasterbator

• Upload: the map you want to print

• Paper size: select desired paper size and orientation (US letter is the US standard size)
• Margin: Add a small Margin to the pages (1/4" or 6mm) (If you choose 0 there will be no overlapping edges or wiggle room in the print)
• Overlap: Overlap the pages by a small amount equal or less than the margin (this makes it easier to tape)
• Output size: should be auto generated

• Style: No Effects

• Raster color: Multicolor (if color print), Black (if black and white)
• Background Color: White

• Output: Enlarge
• Other: Crop Marks and Page position really help when taping!
• Complete: The file will be ready for you to download or print

• You will want to play around with the margin, overlap, and page orientation that feels right to you
• Print, cut, and tape together!

Print a scaled version of the map

• Finally, you can always print the map at half scale or smaller
• You can adjust the scale by manually adjusting in Microsoft Word or controlling the scaling via Adobe, GIMP, Photoshop, or another image editor software
• You can now print the map in the desired scale size!