The Map Shop can print and apply our finishing options to any custom map created by the NOAA Custom Map Program. Explore the depths of oceanographic data with their innovative tool empowers users to search and generate custom charts of the waters most important to them.
Key Features:
- Interactive Mapping: Navigate through detailed maps showcasing a range of data layers such as bathymetry, sea surface temperatures, and ocean currents. Customize your view by toggling layers and adjusting opacity to focus on specific parameters.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed for seamless navigation, our interface allows effortless zooming, panning, and switching between base maps like satellite imagery or topographic views.
- Data Interaction: Click on map points to access detailed data points and metadata, providing deeper insights into marine environments and conditions.
- Custom Map Creation: Tailor maps to your needs by selecting desired data layers and generating custom map views. Save or export these configurations for future reference or sharing.
- Print Your Custom Maps: Upload your PDFs directly on our product page to print bespoke maps, perfect for presentations, fieldwork, or wall displays. Enjoy the convenience of having personalized maps ready for any occasion.
Please note: Map Shop is unable to provide support on how to use the NOAA Custom Map Program so please review NOAA’s User Documentation for instructions. If you would like the Map Shop to create a custom map for you, please contact us here for details.
Returns
We do not offer returns on any custom map but if you’re unhappy with how your chart was printed or finished, we are happy to replace it. We are not able to re-print or re-finish maps for free if you sent us the incorrect map or if you need changes to your map. Please make sure the file that you send us is the approved map ready for print. Thank you.
Up to Date
All the NOAA Charts are the most up-to-date ones that are currently available through NOAA. Some charts are updated weekly from NOAA so we update our print files as soon as we can to make sure you are getting the most informed chart for your nautical adventure! If the chart has been canceled, we offer the final updated version from NOAA as a decorative option.
Decoration or Practical
Part of being an NOAA Certified printer means that we are able to include an NOAA seal on our charts. This means that we are able to say they are approved and ready to be used on the open waters! However not everyone needs that seal to be included, so we can leave it off if you need. Just click the checkbox above “For Decoration” and we will leave off the NOAA seal and the Mapshop logo from your NOAA Chart.
What Is A Nautical Chart?
A nautical chart is one of the most fundamental tools available to the mariner. It is a map that depicts the configuration of the shoreline and seafloor. It provides water depths, locations of dangers to navigation, locations and characteristics of aids to navigation, anchorages, and other features. The nautical chart is essential for safe navigation. Mariners use charts to plan voyages and navigate ships safely and economically. Federal regulations require most commercial vessels to carry nautical charts while they transit U.S. waters. Since the mid-1830s, the U.S. Coast Survey (a NOAA predecessor agency) has been the nation’s nautical chartmaker. NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is still responsible for creating and maintaining all charts of U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes, and waters surrounding U.S. territories.
Finishing Options
Most wall maps are offered in a variety of finishing options. If you need a map that’s ready to hang on the wall, we can frame or add rails your map to save you time and money. Here are the details, contact us with questions.
PAPER
Paper finishing is the most economical option. Most maps are printed on premium 36lb paper. Waterproof paper is also available for functional maps that may be used outdoors.
LAMINATED
Maps are printed then run through our laminator that secures 1.7mil-thick satin-gloss-finished lamination on the front and back. Use map stickers and wet-erase markers.
MOUNTED
Maps are printed then laminated with 1.7mil-thick satin lamination onto 1/4″-thick foamcore. You can use map pins, stickers, or wet-erase markers with our mounted maps.
LAMINATED WITH RAILS
First, we laminate the map then we mount wood rails at the top and bottom of the map. The front side of each rail is finished with a black or walnut finish while the sides and back are unfinished wood.
Sawtooth hardware is fixed to the back of the top rail, so it’s ready to hang. Use stickers or wet-erase markers on your map.
MOUNTED WITH RAILS
First, we laminate the map onto foam core then we mount wood rails at the top and bottom of the map. The front side of each rail is finished with a black or walnut finish while the sides and back are unfinished wood.
Sawtooth hardware is fixed to the back of the top rail. Use map pins, stickers, or wet-erase markers on your maps.
FRAMED
Maps are laminated onto foam core then secured into the frame. The engineered molding is made from recycled wood in either a black or walnut-finish that wraps around the whole frame to the back.
Sawtooth hardware is fixed to the back of the top. You can use map pins, stickers, or wet-erase markers on all our framed maps.