Map Shop Blog

We are explorers, travelers, learners, and sometimes…even comedians. Browse on to read our musings on maps, cartography, travel and a range of other intriguing questions. We’re going to tell you all ’bout it, so kick back and consume. Hopefully these topics will inspire adventure and give you a better understanding of our world.

Most Recent

3. A close-up of a folded paper map with colorful topographic details used for understanding scale in raised relief 3D maps, emphasizing navigation and geographic visualization tools.

Maps Cartography

Understanding Scale in Raised Relief 3D Maps

November 19, 2024
Maps are VAT rated.

#MapFacts

Are Maps VAT Rated in the UK?

March 6, 2023
Map classification guide, types of maps, map features, and map categories for geography, education, travel, and navigation purposes.

Maps 101

How Do You Classify Maps Based on Function?

February 6, 2023
Map illustration with a location pin and study-related text about how maps are used to learn about Earth.

Maps 101

How Are Maps Used To Study Earth?

January 2, 2023

More Posts

Explore New York City travel guide with iconic skyline views, vibrant Times Square, and adventure opportunities in the Big Apple. Perfect for tourists seeking memorable NYC experiences.

Map Shop Travel Guide

2021 Introductory New York City Travel Guide

September 6, 2021
Detailed road map with educational focus for navigation skills and geographic learning.

General Maps Maps

5 Ways to Use Maps for Education

August 2, 2021
Neon sign with the question "Did you know? Maps without Denmark" highlighting map alternatives and geographic information.

#MapFacts

Maps Without Denmark

December 5, 2022
Maps vs. globes educational comparison, world maps and globes in classroom, geographic learning tools and teaching aids for geography education, detailed world map and globe display for schools, relevance.

Maps

Maps vs. Globes: The Info You Need to Know

April 6, 2020
Indoor map display with vintage globes for decoration and navigation.

Style Maps

What Can You Do With An Old Map?

April 4, 2022
Detailed maps for navigation, travel planning, and geographic education from The Map Shop, featuring topographical, road, city, and trail maps for accurate and reliable geographic information.

Maps 101

What Maps Provide Detailed Information?

October 10, 2022
Gifts for loved ones displayed on a rainy window with a sentimental message, ideal for meaningful gift ideas.

Gift Guides

Holiday Gifts For Your Significant Other

February 7, 2022
Maps are VAT rated.

#MapFacts

Are Maps VAT Rated in the UK?

March 6, 2023
Hubbard Scientific historical map with topographical details, showcasing the evolution of scientific mapping technology and educational resources from The Map Shop.

History Maps 101

Hubbard Scientific Maps – Brand Guide

October 7, 2019
Passport holder with travel documents and boarding passes on city street background, travel accessories for travelers, airport security, travel essentials, The Map Shop.

Gift Guides

Best Gifts for the (Not So Weary) Traveler

December 2, 2019
Unlocated villages on maps with map markers and notepad, emphasizing map discovery and navigation tools for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Maps 101

Are Unnamed Villages On Maps?

August 1, 2022
Bright neon sign promoting maps and travel guidance, emphasizing the importance of maps for navigation and exploration. Suitable for travel, cartography, and geographic resources.

#MapFacts

What Country Has No Map?

November 7, 2022
Bright neon sign displaying "Did you know? Australia maps upside down" on a dark brick wall, highlighting unique features of Australian maps and cartography, perfect for map enthusiasts and travel planning.

#MapFacts

Are Maps in Australia Really Upside Down?

May 2, 2022
3. A close-up of a folded paper map with colorful topographic details used for understanding scale in raised relief 3D maps, emphasizing navigation and geographic visualization tools.

Maps Cartography

Understanding Scale in Raised Relief 3D Maps

November 19, 2024
World maps, accurate and detailed, for travel planning and education.

Maps Cartography

Are Maps of the World Accurate?

August 3, 2020
A day in the life of a cartographer with a magnifying glass over a map, showcasing the detailed work involved in mapmaking and geographic data analysis.

Maps Cartography

A Day in the Life of a Cartographer

January 6, 2020
Vibrant image of Smoky Mountains with lush forests, scenic views, and outdoor adventure activities for travelers and nature enthusiasts.

Map Shop Travel Guide

Great Smoky Mountains Ultimate Travel Guide

May 4, 2020
Beach vacation woman relaxing in sunny outdoor setting, sunglasses, tropical attire, enjoying meal at seaside café with vibrant atmosphere, travel, leisure, and vacation imagery.

Travel

Top 6 Reasons You Should Travel the World

December 7, 2020
Italy Rome travel guide with scenic images of historic architecture, mountain landscapes, and coastal views from Italy, perfect for travel planning and exploring Italy’s top destinations.

Map Shop Travel Guide

Italy: Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip

May 6, 2019
Map shop wall decor featuring framed world maps for stylish home or office interior design. Enhance your space with high-quality map prints and vintage-inspired decorative pieces.

Style

How to Use Our Maps for the Perfect Room Decor Piece

August 5, 2019
Vibrant colorful colonial buildings in Havana Cuba, historic architecture, and lively street scenes - perfect for travel guides, exploring Cuba, and experiencing Caribbean culture.

Map Shop Travel Guide

Comprehensive Cuba Travel Guide 2021

April 5, 2021
- Detailed topographic and road maps for travel, outdoor adventures, and navigation from The Map Shop.

General Maps

What You Need to Know About 3D Raised Relief Maps

December 6, 2021
Holiday gift guide 2020 with festive icons, perfect for holiday shopping, featuring top travel and outdoor map products from The Map Shop for holiday gifts.

Gift Guides

2020 Holiday Gift Guides

September 7, 2020
Barcelona city square with historic buildings showcasing Spain travel destinations.

Map Shop Travel Guide

Ultimate Spain Travel Guide 2021

November 1, 2021
Vibrant Yellowstone National Park geysers, thermal pools, and scenic views showcasing iconic geothermal features and natural beauty.

Map Shop Travel Guide

Yellowstone National Park: Introductory Traveler’s Guide

May 3, 2021
Maps and globes for navigation, travel planning, and geographic exploration at The Map Shop.

Maps

How Maps are Used in Popular Shows & Movies

February 3, 2020
Back to school map guide, classroom maps, educational maps, school campus maps, student orientation maps, and geographic educational resources for effective learning.

Gift Guides

Back to School Map Guide

June 3, 2019
Map illustration with a location pin and study-related text about how maps are used to learn about Earth.

Maps 101

How Are Maps Used To Study Earth?

January 2, 2023
Father's Day gifts, family celebration, father and child, outdoor park, dad and son, special occasion, gift ideas, family bonding, outdoor activity, personalized gifts, meaningful presents, holiday celebration.

Gift Guides

Top 10 Father’s Day Gifts

June 1, 2020
New Zealand travel guide with scenic cityscape, lakes, and lush green landscapes, ideal for exploring popular tourist destinations and outdoor adventures.

Map Shop Travel Guide

New Zealand Travel Guide

April 1, 2019
Detailed map of urban area with a red location pin marker highlighting specific destinations and landmarks.

Maps 101

What is a Congressional Map

August 20, 2022
Detailed New Zealand map illustration for travel, navigation, and geographic reference.

Maps Cartography History

Maps Without New Zealand

July 4, 2022
Scale on map, geographic measurement, cartography, distance mapping, spatial analysis, and GIS concept.

Maps Cartography

What is the Purpose of a Scale on a Map?

March 7, 2022
Map classification guide, types of maps, map features, and map categories for geography, education, travel, and navigation purposes.

Maps 101

How Do You Classify Maps Based on Function?

February 6, 2023
U.S. road trip adventure with a rugged vehicle on scenic open highway in a semi-arid landscape. Scenic travel, off-road exploration, and American highway trips highlighted.

Travel

10 Awesome US Road Trips That Shouldn’t Be Missed

June 7, 2021
Suitcase and travel essentials on table with beach scene in background, travel safety tips.

Travel

Top Ten Travel Safety Tips You Should Know

March 2, 2020
Vibrant autumn leaves and scenic landscape, highlighting outdoor exploration and travel destinations in the U.S. beaches, perfect for travel guides and adventure enthusiasts.

Map Shop Travel Guide

6 Essential US Beach Towns to Visit this Fall

November 4, 2019
Map shop with a world map and travel guides, perfect for navigation and exploration enthusiasts.

General Maps

Battle of the Maps: The Best World Map 2021

July 5, 2021
Create your own customizable vector map for geographical, educational, or travel planning uses. Perfect for professionals needing detailed, editable world maps.

Style

Let’s Create a Water Color Map

September 2, 2019
Underwater coral reef with colorful fish demonstrating ocean floor mapping, illustrating marine exploration, ocean floor research, and underwater mapping technology for marine navigation and conservation efforts.

Maps Cartography

Mapping the Ocean Floor

June 6, 2022
Map of nature with detailed terrain and geographical features for outdoor navigation and exploration.

Maps Cartography

Map Copyright: What Every Map User Should Know

July 6, 2020
Hand holding a colorful world map globe, with a close-up of a finger pointing at a map, emphasizing geography and navigation.

Maps 101 Top 10

10 Reasons Why Maps Are Important

July 1, 2019
what-is-a-map

Maps

What is a map? The guide for future cartographers.

January 4, 2021
Vibrant images of Hawaiian coastal scenery with rocky beaches and lush green cliffs, perfect for travel guides and exploring Hawaii's natural beauty.

Map Shop Travel Guide

Hawai’i Travel Guide: Katy’s Big Excursion

October 4, 2021
Nautical charts and basics of plotting for marine navigation on a boat, with a person holding the ship's wheel and map.

Maps Cartography

Nautical Charts and the Basics of Plotting Your Course

October 5, 2020
Custom map shop gift guide with various gift ideas, perfect for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and map lovers seeking unique geographical gifts.

Maps Gift Guides Travel

The Ultimate Map Shop Gift Guide

October 1, 2022
Maps bias infographic from The Map Shop, world map with highlighted regions, discussing how maps can be influenced by perspective and data interpretation.

Maps

How Are Maps Biased?

February 1, 2021
Colorful images of Argentina’s landscapes, vibrant streets, and historic architecture showcasing travel destinations and adventures in Argentina.

Map Shop Travel Guide

Argentina Travel Guide 2021 & Beyond

January 3, 2011
Neon sign with the phrase "Did you know? Quantitative / Qualitative" highlighting map and survey insights.

#MapFacts

Qualitative vs Quantitative Maps: Map Data Types Explained

September 5, 2022
Colorful holiday gift guide with maps, travel accessories, and location-based presents from The Map Shop for the 2019 holiday season. Perfect for travelers and map enthusiasts.

Gift Guides

2019 Holiday Gift Guides

October 1, 2019
how_to_read_a_map

Maps Cartography

How to read a map? The art of navigation and topo maps

March 1, 2021
Maps made in the past, history of cartography, vintage map creation, early map design, historical map production, map-making history, classic cartography, old world maps, map design evolution, traditional map craftsmanship.

Maps Cartography

How Were Maps Made in the Past?

November 2, 2020