How to print perfect maps (or most any kind of image file)

Using mapping software to create maps for backcountry use, or using existing online maps, such as this fine collection on the Mazamas website, is inexpensive, quick and convenient. 

However, a weakness with this approach is often the poor print quality of the map. Most home inkjet printers are simply not up to the task of printing the high level of detail necessary for maps, especially if you’re trying to read the map in low lighting conditions. (If you then make a photocopy of an inkjet printed map to share with your climbing team, you get a further decrease in quality.)

Here’s a simple solution that will give you an outstanding quality map, that looks like it came from an offset printing press.

1. Rather than print the map on your home inkjet printer, instead save your map as a .PDF file to a USB flash (aka thumb) drive.
2. Go to a Fed-Ex office store, insert your debit card in the card reader, choose “print from USB flash drive”, then insert your flash drive into the USB port.
3. Follow the directions on screen, thus printing the file directly to the copier/printer machine.

You’ll get a MUCH better quality print this way, have a map that is slightly more durable because the ink from FedEx is more resistant to rain/moisture, and maybe even save some money because you are not using their own expensive ink at home. A color print at FedEx costs about $.50.

(One small caution:  if you use an existing PDF map you find on the web, first save it to your hard drive, right-click the file to see properties, and be sure that the file is not write protected.  If it is, sometimes this causes difficulties with printing the map at FedEx.)

PS - this technique works for PDF files, TIF, JPEG, or just about any other kind of image format.