National Geographic World Wall Map - Decorator - Laminated (46 x 30.5 in) (National Geographic Reference Map)

After spending at least an hour looking through many different world map options, I settled on this one, and I'm so glad I did! My husband and I both love it--for the visual appeal, the readability, and the rich topographical detail. I went into my search knowing only that I wanted a map that was accurate, readable, and sufficiently detailed, yet more attractive than the 2-dimensional, pastel-countries-on-flat-blue-ocean style map (with 9,723 thumbtack holes in it) that had served us well for years while our kids were growing up. We're slowly reclaiming our lower-level "schoolroom" as grown-up space and wanted something nice on the wall, so it was time for the big, blue, raggedy-cornered world map and its equally raggedy US counterpart to go. Since my husband is all about rooms looking nice and not so much about geography--or so I thought--I was pleasantly surprised by his remark just days later that he missed having maps to look at. So I set out to find a frame-worthy world map that was visually appealing without sacrificing educational value on the altar of artsy-ness. It also needed to be reasonably priced and have a coordinating US map in case we want to add that in the future. And the ocean could not be blue unless it was a very, very pale blue. This is where I landed. Out of the various maps that fit the bill, I chose this one for the projection (most accurate in terms of relative land mass size), the maker (National Geographic is a name I trust), the bold colors (visual pop and ease in identifying political borders), and the topographical depth. In all these things I was not disappointed, and my husband--for whom it was a surprise gift--was quite impressed and pleased. The color is richer and the depth more stunning than I had anticipated, yet they do not obscure the text. Even the variegated depths of the ocean floor are conveyed, and the corner maps are a fun and fascinating bonus. I may have preferred fewer city names, as certain areas--especially Europe and parts of the US--feel a bit cluttered with text, but that's a minor point. And, as though it were not visually appealing enough already, the black border sets the whole thing off quite nicely, as if to say, "This is not your grandfather's National Geographic map. This is geographically accurate art." The day it arrived, we could have looked at it for hours. I can't wait til he makes a frame and we can hang it! When the kids come over, I'll bet they'll love it too--once they've had sufficient therapy to work through their feelings about having been raised with dumbphones and flat-blue-ocean maps.

I’m very happy with my large laminated National Geographic world map. When I first received the map in a rolled tube container, I found when I pulled it the map out that there were long vertical lines across the middle of the entire map both sides. I thought perhaps the map simply needed to stretch out, but by the next day with no improvement I decided to contact the seller. I took a photo of each side of the map and then I wrote a very short email to the seller, which was Reference Resources, in my case, and I emailed it. I figured the photos would speak for themselves. I received the map on a Saturday, sent the email Sunday, and by Monday morning I had received email from the seller who apologized. He wrote that it appears that the tube and been crushed during the shipping process and he had already packed up a new replacement map and it would be mailed out later that day. Two days later I received a map in pristine condition and I could not be more happy. I also wanted to mention how I decided to hang my map on the wall. I initially had thought I my use some kind of tape or Velcro on the map and also some on the wall, but what I finally settled with was an 8-pack of magnettacks or magnet tacks. You use one of the push-pins to push the pin into whatever surface (mine was drywall) and at the head of the push-pin is a strong magnet. Next grab a separate magnet and place it on top of the push-pin and then you have a strong hold. The map is held between the push-pin magnetic head of the push pin (you are not sticking the pin through the map!) and then you add the separate magnetic to hold the map in place. You receive 8 push-pins and 8 magnetic pieces (Honestly, I think it’s best if you just look it up rather than having me try to explain it.) In the end, these push-pins held my map up perfectly and I didn’t dashed the map in any way. I hope that helps.

If you are looking for an honest review of this product then you are in the right place. I received this map just a few days ago to replace my new one and I can honestly say that this map is perfect. It comes laminated out of the box so don't expect it to be ripping on you anytime soon. Not only is the durability of the map impressive the actual image of the map is very sharp. The colors have a good contrast and overall brightness is just where it needs to be. Another thing of note would be that this map has a peculiar black outline added to it. I personally think it has a cool "frame" look to it and appreciate it as a refining contribution to the appearance. One thing that all should note is that it is quite a big map, so you should definitely make sure there is space for it. Overall, as I'm sure this review has made clear, this map is of perfect quality for anyone who wants a durable, large, and colorful map for there viewing pleasure.

The map is really good, with many details and very bright colors. There are all the majour rivers and mountains, the oceanic ridges and interesting addition, lists of country by size and population. The surface of the states and the mountain heights are in feet, which is not great for Europeans. Latitude and longitude plus time zones indicators complete the map. The lamination is not the best I have ever seen, but it is good enough to protect the map from dirt and liquid spills. The map is meant to be put on a wall, so make sure you have space enough in your place. Overall a pleasant purchase.

Very readable, nice colors, laminated, looks good on my wall 👍

People love to look at this map and have thoughtful conversations when they come over. This map makes way more sense when you have family / friends across the Pacific.

BEAUTIFUL! It looks great in my office, Royal Blue Travel llc. My clients are really enjoying it, and looking to get one for their families. If you have children, this is a great learning tool. Very Happy Customer, Laurie Comstock

Good quality. Beautiful colours

This is not an accurate map of the world. There is no Palestine on the map, which doesn't make any sense.

Es un poster muy adecuado para la habitación de los hijos, tiene gran colorido, es completo y elegante. El material plastificado/laminado le da buena presencia.

Es decorativo, muy bonito, me gusta que sea plastificado, y se puede ver muy bien. Para el bajo precio es una compra genial.

Il est arrivé enroulé dans un tube en carton rigide, parfaitement protégé. Les couleurs sont vives, belles et les pays se distinguent bien. Le plan dans son ensemble présente très bien. Il est en anglais. Il est plastifié. Le Sudan du sud est là. Impeccable.