How to: Print Maps (Patreon)
Published:
2024-01-17 17:00:15
Edited:
2024-02-02 18:25:30
Imported:
2024-06
Content
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!