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Custom map issues:

Bowring Cartographic specializes in the production of custom illustrative maps that convey information clearly and accurately. We can provide a time and cost estimate for your mapping project. Here are some issues that need to be addressed in our preliminary discussions:

  • What is the title, theme, or description of the map(s) you would like to have created?
  • What message would you like the map(s) to convey?
  • What is the nature of the map-viewing audience? What might be the average age and education level? Is limited vision a consideration?
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  • What is the map's geographic extent? This can be described in a number of ways, i.e.: "A ten-mile radius from downtown Sacramento"; "Between 34 and 38 degrees north latitude, and 115 and 124 east longitude"; East to the Detroit River, south to Wyandotte, west to I-275...", etc.; "The countries of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands".
  • What detail -- specifically -- is to be shown on the map? i.e., roads? (all roads and streets? interstate highways only?; boundaries?; natural features? (rivers, topographic relief, forest cover, etc.?); place names? (i.e., state capitals? cities over 50,000 population, etc.?).
  • How large is the map to appear in its final form? (this needs to be more specific than "wall-sized", but can be approximate at the preliminary stage).
  • Is the map to be reproduced in black and white, or color? How many colors? How many copies are required?
  • Under what conditions will the map be viewed? (from a distance?; low light levels?)
  • Is the map intended to stand alone, or is it part of a series of graphics with which it should be compatible in style, color, or other consideration?
  • Are there existing maps that might serve as a take-off point for our discussions? Will you, the client, be providing any source data or maps?
  • Has a timetable been established for map design and production?

Of course, all the issues outlined above will not be relevant to every map, but these points can help to focus our discussions and lead to design and publication of a map uniquely suited to your application.

We look forward to working with you.