Maps.com Blog

3 Ways to Use An Atlas

Posted on January 24, 2012 by admin

Named for the mythological god who holds the world on his shoulder and staggers under the weight, an atlas is a collection of maps and cartographic information regarding a particular area of land or sea. An atlas can contain maps of a particular city, state, country or even planet. With the rising reliance on technology to find information, hard copy publications like atlases are becoming less and less common. This is unfortunate because an atlas can be a resource for learning as well as a handy directional tool. There are many things to learn from an atlas and many ways to enjoy the information it provides.

1. Check Out the Area
Most people don’t know the area within and around their own town or city very well.Imagine, we all spend so much time in our places of residence and yet few of us have a good understanding of our landscape. Grab an atlas for the local area and take a look at the topography in particular. Topography is the ups and downs of the land: the hills, the valleys, etc. Find familiar spots and notice where they are located on the map. Oftentimes, we don’t have an accurate mental image of the layout of our town.

2. Follow a River
Every stream ultimately ends up in the ocean. Find a nearby stream or river on a map. Follow it in one direction and then the other. Where does this local water originate? How many other streams, rivers and lakes does it pass through before finally making it to the ocean? To take an even closer look at the local watershed, take a look at what areas upriver also contribute water to the nearby stream.

3. Compare Distances
Getting out a world map is a great way to get a feel for how big the earth is. First, find two landmarks whose distance from each other is familiar. Then, use that same distance to look at how far apart other parts of the world are. Using an atlas, everyone can understand how far it is from Paris to Berlin – about 650 miles – by comparing that distance to, for example, the distance to their sister’s house in the next state over.

Map Of United States

Posted on January 16, 2012 by admin

Map of United States comes in many different forms. While typically thought of as primary school learning tools, United States (U.S.) maps serve a variety of functions. Products at maps.com are designed to suit a wide range of customer needs.

The Function Of A Map
- A point of reference. Maps give a sense of direction during discussions of an upcoming vacation or potential cross-country move.

- Planning assistance. Commercial firms use maps to look for possible zoning issues. A concise topical view gives administration an idea of potential problems that could arise.

- Navigation. Map of United States offers the perfect opportunity to teach geography. Having everyone follow the route taken to a destination turns road trips into fun events. Participants can anticipate exciting upcoming natural attractions.

Types Of Maps
All maps include a compass rose indicating North. Scales are also provided that allow the reader to estimate distance. The following is a list of maps that are available to consumers:

- Climate maps use color to illustrate different climate zones. Notations are included about the amount of rain and snow in a particular area. Visitors can figure out exactly how to dress for a certain location.

- Economic maps focus on two items: economic activity and natural resources. Icons, or small pictures, are used as notations.

- Physical maps use a wide color palette to indicate physical features. Blue is used to show bodies of water, while green typically signifies lower elevated areas.

- Political maps are found on many school walls. They show state boundaries and designate capitals along with other major cities.

- Road maps show highways, railroads, cities and points of interests that are important for travel. They are an invaluable tool for anyone not familiar with a particular area.

- Topographic maps use contour lines to illustrate shape and elevation.

- Interactive maps are optimal for online use. Specially designed software allows users to create customized maps with personal images, rollover features and clickable points. These can be especially helpful for international travelers who have never visited the U.S.

Map of United States available through maps.com include traditional road travel maps. Additional offerings focus on air travel, individual cities or roadside attractions. In addition to maps of the entire country, wall units are available for individual cities, states or regions. Digital maps are designed for inclusion in various online projects.

Posted in Maps | Tagged climate maps, economic maps, interactive maps, navigation, Road Maps, topographic maps | Leave a comment

How are maps used today?

Posted on January 9, 2012 by admin

It seems that the traditional road map is slowly disappearing from common use. Ever since the invention of GPS, people have relied on those little computer screens to get where they need to go. That is fine for finding a local address, but it does a great disservice to anyone who likes to travel around the United States.

A map of USA is an incredibly comprehensive tool that covers the entire nation from coast to coast. Depending on the map of USA that you purchase, you can get a great deal of detail or a general look at how the states are related to each other. One of the great things about having a full-sized map of USA is that it gives a wide angle view of our country.

You can easily track the route you need to take between any two cities in the United States. You can see the different highways and byways that will get you to your destination. Sometimes, you can choose to take county or local roads instead of jumping on a super-highway. Every USA map is different, but most will show all of the major roads that criss-cross the country.

A map of USA is also a great teaching tool for children. One can play a game with their kids and see if they can point out Virginia or Ohio and if they can find the capital of a particular state. Give an 8 year the position of navigator and he or she will be more involved in a long car trip.

Another place besides the car where a map of USA often appears is in the classroom. It is a great visual aid when trying to teach a class about the United States. A teacher can get a map that is not labeled and ask each student to write the name of each state in the proper space. Be careful because nobody can fit the words into the State of Rhode Island.

Folding a big USA map can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Because it can extend 4 or 5 feet wide, it must be folded in the right order so it will fit neatly into your hand. Maps always start out crisp and new, but somehow, they wind up being folded in the wrong way and they also tend to tear pretty easily. Thankfully, maps only cost about $5.00 and you can replace them when they become old and tattered.

Posted in Map of United States, USA | Tagged classroom maps, Map of US, Map of USA, Road Maps | Leave a comment

World Maps for Sale

Posted on December 15, 2011 by admin

Although many people do not use maps for road trips anymore, many people still enjoy looking at maps of different places around the world. World maps are also a great learning tool for the classroom as all students may not have access to the internet at all times. For anyone wanting to purchase one of these maps, Maps.com has many world maps for sale in practically every form of map imaginable. For instance, some people may not want a specific map of a country but a map that displays all countries of the world. Maps.com will have these world maps for sale as well as maps that are country specific.

Century Maps
Maps.com has world maps for sale that are contemporary as well as antiquated. A great map for the classroom may be one that illustrates boundaries of countries in ancient times. Students can become actively engaged by comparing the boundaries of ancient Rome with their country boundaries of the present. This type of map will give both students and teachers alike hours of engaging visual learning.

Digital Maps
Maps.com also has digital world maps for sale. These maps can be used for those who want to print brochures, charts, and reports as well as feature a world map on his or her website. These are great for a business specializing in world travel and give the brochure or website a professional look and appeal.

Globes Antique Mini Globe

Maps.com has world maps for sale in the form of traditional globes as well. Globes were once a staple in the classroom although they have generally been replaced with internet access. However, a globe can add style to any classroom, office, or board room giving everyone a sense of global inclusion. Globes can be a great decorative piece for the office as well.

Specialized Maps
There are other world maps for sale at Maps.com that are specialized. For instance, a great map for a boardroom may be one of the world maps that display time zones. This can be a great reference tool and be utilized even faster than a smart phone by simply looking up at the world time zone map without the typing and searching.

Posted in Large Maps, World Maps | Tagged buy maps, buy world maps, buy world wall map with ocean, digital maps for sale, globes for sale, shop maps, wall decor, world maps | Leave a comment

Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Best Map Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Posted on December 12, 2011 by admin

Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Best Map Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Maps.com’s experts’ have hand-picked a range map gifts just in time for gift giving season. Find the perfect Christmas gifts, personalized gifts, gifts for kids of all ages, world wall map gifts and much more right here in the Maps.com Holiday Store. Plus you can find creative stocking stuffers and ideas for neighbors, bosses and kids of all ages. If you are looking for something unique this holiday season try one of these map gift ideas.

World Globe Gifts

Globes are an excellent gift for someone who enjoys travel, geography andlearning about our world. Globes can help parents explain complex world geography, why the sun rises and sets, how the moon rotates around the earth and why we have night and day. Give the perfect gift this holiday season by giving that special someone the world, in the palm of their hands. Globe Gifts can start as low as $19.95.

Travel Map Gifts

If you have friends and relatives who enjoy traveling – whether for business orpleasure – travel maps of the world make great gifts. Travel Map and street maps start as low as $6.95, which make for an easy unique gift for that traveler you know.

Wall Map Gifts

Everyone loves a map, especially on their wall. Maps of destinations far and wide are a favorite décor piece for travelers, historians and geography fans. Purchase a wall map for someone this holiday. Wall maps start as low as $11 for a standard world map, but for large format products, and special format options such as laminated, framed or mounted prices can be as high as $365.

Atlas Gifts

Atlases make a stunning gift for the high school or college student, as well as akeepsake for the family library. Atlases are perfect for a coffee table, in the study or on a bedside table for late night reading. Hard cover World Atlas gifts are impressive to unwrap and soft cover Travel Atlases can be taken anywhere. The Oxford Atlas of the World is probably the best known of these and acts as a benchmark for others to follow. Retailing at $175 this is a true luxury gift. More modestly priced educational and road atlases are also available.

Antique Wall Map Gifts

Vintage city panoramas make for great gifts for all ages. The city panoramasinclude original photographs reproduced from a glass slides, printed on aluminum and mounted on wood, ready for hanging. Antique maps make this holiday season a classic at $50 apiece.

Mounted and Framed Map Gifts

Mounted maps and framed map gifts are perfect for a home or office. Framed Maps prove useful for reference and planning a future voyage. Mounted & Framed Map Gifts Framed andMounted Map gifts can make for a great luxury gift for less than $200.

Santa Picks

Here is a hand-picked listed that Santa picked out, choose gifts under 25, giftsunder 50, gifts under 100, executive gifts and wrapped and ready gifts. Find the perfect map gift for any budget by browsing the Santa’s Picks collection. Be sure to check out the gifts for under 25, also find unique stocking stuffers and ideas including globe key chain, ornaments, marbles, map labels and much more.

Kids Corner Gifts

If you are shopping for a kid or child, maps make great gifts for kids – plus they are educational. Buy a geography puzzle, a geography game, a globe, or a sticker map for your kids, nieces, nephews or grandkids. These gifts for kids are all so much fun, so give the gift of laughter and entrainment this holiday season!

Personalized Gifts

Couples love to remember those special romantic trips, families can reminisce about the round the world trip they took together, and in some cases they can even be a way to remember distant family over the holiday season. Personalized Map Gifts are a perfect gift for any gift giving occasion.

SHOP MAP GIFTS

Posted in Announcements, Holiday Gift Catalog, Holiday Gift Ideas, Map Gifts, Maps | Tagged atlas gifts, Best Map gifts, gifts under 25, gifts under 50, globe gifts, maps for kids | Leave a comment

World maps for great adventure

Posted on December 5, 2011 by admin

A map is a representation of geographic features of a given area of the world. They display the relationships between bodies of water and land masses. It is worth noting that the geographical representations come in more than 800 varieties. Many people are used to basic features such as plains, mountains, rivers, deserts, lakes and oceans. However, there is more than that accustomed thought.

New Century World Wall Map

The physical map of the world has a great impact on the world climate thus ultimately affecting lives of the people in different regions. This is the significance of understanding the map of the world. For example, people living in clod regions can comfortably withstand the adverse condition but may find difficulty in surviving in hot regions. Another significance of a world map is that it can help an individual to identify location of a particular place.

Map of the world is an essential resource that can be used to teach various subjects in learning institutions. Grade school subjects that have utilized the tools include history, languages and science. In history, the tool is used to reflect changes in every century. In language, it is used to represent population and distribution of various languages throughout the world. Finally, in science, the tool is helpful in demarcating mineral rich areas and seismic waves.

For centuries, the visual tools have been used to grace the desks and walls of homes and business premises. They indicate the latitudes and longitudes of every part of the world. Many people tend to identify the places they have paid a visit to by sticking a pin on them. This can help one to easily explain to another person the places that he or she has visited or where the business is located. One does not have to be an international tourist or businessman to appreciate the maps. One can enjoy watching beautiful oceans, lakes and rivers in the visual tools.

There are also maps that provide a wide range of happiness. For example maps that gives details about the geographical and tourist attraction sites of Costa Rica. There are about 800 of them that one can choose from. One is free to look for the most suitable one by using an internet.

Finally, a map can be a great gift to a loved one. There are high quality and suitable visual tools for one that loves to golf. They display golfing courts that are on the top notch in the world golf league.

Posted in Maps, World Maps | Tagged adventure maps, maps of world | Leave a comment

Cyber Monday Deals at Maps.com

Posted on November 28, 2011 by admin

Today, Maps.com has super awesome cyber monday deals on tons of Maps and mapping products. Get 20% Off selected products – today only. Choose from a large selection of wall maps, puzzles, atlases, and more! Get a head start on your holiday shopping now!

Click here to see what Cyber Monday deals we have running today.

Posted in Announcements, Coupon Offers, Cyber Monday 2011, Holiday Gift Catalog, Holiday Gift Ideas, Maps | Leave a comment

2 Ways That A Map Of The USA Can Make Your Life Better

Posted on November 21, 2011 by admin

Getting your hands on a Map of USA can be helpful for number of reasons. Many folks ignore the importance of having a thorough understanding of a Map of USA until they are in a position where they need the information most. By logging onto maps.com and familiarizing yourself with the geography of the United States of America, you will be much better off. Here are two primary reasons why.

Knowledge is Power

People who have little knowledge of the cities and states around them are much less likely to want to explore the diverse territories, creating a situation where people who are generally uninformed about the nation’s vast geography very rarely venture outside of a small radius of their hometown.

By getting your hands on a Map of USA, you will be able to make sense of your surroundings and better understand your geographic place in the world. You’ll be able to easily attain an understanding of the topography, weather and population density of any given region. The United States features an array of climates and landscapes that create an environmental diversity that few countries can say they have. The knowledge that can be gained from a Map of USA can be used to your advantage in countless ways, including minimizing car time during a long road trip.

Map Reading Improves Brain Activity

A study recently conducted by a television news program tested professionals from 30 different fields for their levels of brain activity while they were engaged in their everyday work. Emergency room doctors and air traffic controllers ranked near the top of the list, but amazingly, cab drivers were deemed to have the busiest brains in the Unites States. Further exploration of the concept led experts to determine that the brain is as close to full throttle as it can get while processing routes throughout a city and gauging the various factors that could effect each option. This means is that studying maps is one of the greatest forms of mental exercise that can be conducted. A Map of USA from maps.com is the best place to start your quest for geographic knowledge.

Posted in Map of United States, Maps, USA | Tagged geography, Map of US, Map of USA, United States of America | Leave a comment

Map of United States

Posted on November 14, 2011 by admin

Many people enjoy looking at maps, a Map of United States is a popular and interesting map to analyze. There are many different types of maps that one may be looking for and a number of places one can find a map of United States. Maps.com can produce practically any map a person may be need. For instance, some people enjoy orienterring, a skill where he or she uses topography maps and a compass to find their way to a certain point. Topography maps can be found at the website as well. Other people may want to map out a road trip. Maps.com has traditional road maps that are perfect for road trips and planning. There are practically no maps that can’t be found on their website.
Topography
Over the last decade, a very popular sport has emerged called adventure racing. Adventure racing involves a variety of skills although one of the main skills is orienteering. Good maps are needed for orienteering, and these adventure races are held all across the US. For that reason, some people may want to purchase a basic topographical map of United States to get a general idea of different states’ elevations. This would help the adventure racer pick which states he or she wanted to race in. Topographical maps can also be a great learning tool for the classroom as well. Students may find the different elevation changes interesting when comparing states such as Colorado to North Carolina.

Road Maps
At one point, the only way to find one’s way from one point to another was with a road map. Road maps listed all of the interstates, intrastates, and highways, and there were some road maps that showed all of the interstates that ran through the US. Although these traditional road maps are rarely used anymore with the advent of the internet and global positioning systems, some people may enjoy planning their trip by using a road map of United States. Planning the next vacation by spreading the map out on the kitchen table can be a rewarding family experience.

Retrospective Maps
A great map for the classroom, especially in a history class, is a retrospective map of the United States. There are many maps that show the progression of the United States and the formation of state unions to create one of the largest countries in the world. By purchasing retrospective maps, students can see the progress by early settlers of the US, pivotal moments such as the Louisiana Purchase, and the drafting of state boundaries in the early years of the US.

Posted in Map of United States | Tagged retrospective map, Road Maps, Topographical maps | Leave a comment

Maps.com Blog

3 Ways to Use An Atlas

Map Of United States

How are maps used today?

World Maps for Sale

Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Best Map Gift Ideas for the Holidays

SHOP MAP GIFTS

World maps for great adventure

Cyber Monday Deals at Maps.com

2 Ways That A Map Of The USA Can Make Your Life Better

Map of United States

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