Most maps today are printed digitally
Why Lithographic Printing?
Our maps are different.
We use a traditional lithographic printing process that allows us to reproduce colours, metallic inks and finishes that simply aren't possible with conventional digital printing. It's a slower, more involved process, but one that creates the richness, depth and visual impact that have become synonymous with Future Mapping.
Months of research, design and refinement have led to this moment. Seeing a new map emerge from the press never gets old.
This is where the artwork finally comes to life.
The Press
Built for Precision
Our maps are printed on a Heidelberg Speedmaster, one of the world's most respected lithographic printing presses.
Manufactured by a company with more than two centuries of printing expertise, the Speedmaster delivers the accuracy, consistency and print quality required to reproduce our maps exactly as intended.
Every fine contour line, place name and carefully chosen colour relies on this level of precision.
The Plates
Separating the Artwork
Before printing can begin, the artwork is separated into individual colour layers.
A printing plate is produced for each colour used within the map. These plates are then loaded onto the press, where each one is responsible for applying a single layer of ink to the paper.
Unlike digital printing, where colours are blended from four process inks, lithography allows us far greater control over how every colour is reproduced.
The Inks
Mixed by Hand
One of the greatest advantages of lithographic printing is the ability to use specially mixed inks.
Each colour is mixed by hand to an exact Pantone reference before being loaded onto the press. This enables us to use metallic, fluorescent and highly saturated pigments that simply cannot be reproduced accurately using standard CMYK digital printing.
Many of the colours that have become synonymous with Future Mapping are only possible because of this process.
Setting Up
Getting Everything Just Right
Before the full print run begins, the press must be carefully prepared.
The printing plates are mounted, the inks loaded and the first sheets run through the machine. These initial prints are then checked to ensure every colour is reproducing correctly and that each layer aligns perfectly with the next.
Tiny adjustments are made to ink levels, registration and pressure until the print matches the approved artwork exactly.
The Print Run
Full Steam Ahead
With the setup complete, printing gets underway.
Each sheet passes through the press, receiving one carefully controlled layer of ink after another. As the maps emerge, they are continually checked to ensure colour consistency, sharpness and registration remain perfect throughout the run.
The aim is simple: the first sheet and the last sheet should be virtually indistinguishable.
The Signature Varnish
The Finishing Touch
Once printing is complete, the sheets are left to dry before receiving their final embellishment.
Many of our maps are finished with a high-gloss varnish applied through a separate screen-printing process. On our world, country and continent maps this is typically applied to the landmasses, creating subtle contrast and bringing additional depth to the design. On city maps, the application varies according to the artwork.
It is a small detail, but one that transforms the finished print, adding richness, texture and the distinctive finish that has become a hallmark of Future Mapping maps.
Why it matters
More Than Just a Print
Printing is often seen as the final step in the process. For us, it is one of the most important.
The quality of a map is determined not only by the information it contains or the care taken in its design, but by how faithfully that work is reproduced on paper.
Lithographic printing allows us to achieve exceptional colour accuracy, remarkable detail and a visual depth that is difficult to replicate with standard digital printing. Combined with specialist inks and our signature varnish finish, the result is a map that feels every bit as considered and crafted as the artwork itself.
Ultimately, we don't see our maps as posters.
We see them as pieces of wall art, designed to be explored, discussed and enjoyed for years to come.
