MapCarte 52/365: United States by Raven Maps, 1987

MapCarte52_ravenThis spectacular large format wall map of the contiguous 48 states of the U.S. displays the diversity of the country’s landforms in detail. At a distance, the map clearly shows the topography using beautifully rendered hypsometric tinting and masterful hill-shading that crates contrast between mountainous regions and the great plains.

As you move closer, the state capitals, cites, and highways  are revealed and the design illustrates how to apply hierarchy in a map that can be read in different ways at different viewing distances. The use of pure white as a background gives the map a crisp, clear contrast against its background that accentuates the dramatic colours used. A great example of the craft of making a large format wall map.

At nearly 5ft wide, this map uses the available space to good effect and although a reference map designed for hanging, makes a piece of wall art too. Designed by Stuart Allan and published by Raven Maps and Images, the same approach has been taken to map larger scale versions of individual states. More details on their web site here.