Preparing maps for print production introduce many interesting challenges. Many mapping projects are small print runs (less than 1,000 copies, in many cases, less than 100 copies). Due to limited quantities of map print runs, one of the first considerations is what form of output will your map utilize? Ink-jet plotter/printer, digital press, or offset press?

Ink-jet printers/plotters can output files up to 72 inches wide and 200 feet long. The resolution of ink-jet printers is constantly increasing but is not that of a traditional press. The drawbacks with ink-jet printers/plotters is that the inks are not terribly stable, lasting 1-3 years indoors (archival inks last longer but limit the color gamut), and the costs to print can reach $14 per square foot. Despite the cost, ink-jet printers/plotters are recommended for projects of 250 copies or less.

Digital presses are a new technology which take the digital files are print directly from those files. Taking the need to create negatives out of the printing process. Unfortunately, the widest digital press is the Agfa Chromapress 50, which can print up to 18 inches wide. For print runs, which will fit on the press, between 100 and 5,000 copies, this is a viable option.

Offset presses are still the cheapest way to go for large quantities of maps. They are the most expensive for small quantities. The reason for this is the set-up costs. For each print run, you need to create negatives which you give to the printing company. The take the negatives and create plates which are placed on the press. This set-up process usually is at least $1,000.

Neer Cartography printed the "Tour of the Unknown Coast" map on an Epson Stylus 3000 ink-jet printer. This map had a print run of less than 100 copies and cost approximately $5 per map to print. A digital press would cost $6 per map to print and a offset press would cost $10 per map to print.

Our Street Map series is printed on a newspaper web press. The quantities over 10,000 copies per map work out to approximately 10 cents per map. Though if we printed to a standard offset press the cost would be around 45 cents per map.