Finding a map distributor to meet your map requirements can be as easy as calling an automobile association or as difficult as finding a supplier who specializes in a certain type of maps. If you need more than one map of a similar type, you may want to focus on an atlas distributor so you can purchase single items instead of bulk items.

State sectional maps may be pertinent if your need is to have maps available for customers or for interoffice educational resources. Identify the primary purpose for the maps, and understand the types of maps which can fulfill the purpose, before starting your search:

1. Street-based maps and atlases are used to travel from one location to another. They contain all necessary route information for a driver.

2. Topographical maps show the contour of the land and generally do not include road details.

3. Specialty maps such as aeronautical or oceanographic are best found through universities who have these major fields of study.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take your business on a road trip with map distributors

Map suppliers and distributors are constantly working to have the most current maps for your needs. With the world population continually increasing, new construction will not halt for quite some time. And with new construction comes new roads, routes, and maps.

I recommend: Map Connection offers many types of small and wall-size world maps including globes, topographical, aeronautical and e-maps. International travel maps can be found through MapsGoneTomorrow.com, and any world atlas can be ordered directly from Treaty Oak.

Travel the nation or the continent with the help of atlas distributors

You may need an atlas for multi-city or multi-state travel. An atlas contains a number of maps and offers overview maps along with zoomed-in maps of streets and roads.

I recommend: Choose from a selection of atlases at GeoMart. Maps, Guides & More offers country-specific and theme-related atlases for worldwide locations.

Use an atlas supplier for special needs

There are numerous map suppliers and atlas suppliers, and if you require a special atlas or map that is outside the norm, you have fewer options. For instance, not every distributor carries antique maps or oceanographic maps, so narrow your options to specialists to find what you need.

I recommend: Review UCLA's Reference Collection Online's list to choose what you need from variety of maps and atlases. Antique Atlas carries genuine antique maps and atlases of locations all over the world. Search, view, and download ancient mediterranean atlases and maps from Interactive Ancient Mediterranean.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  GPS technology has made finding your way a lot easier, and many metro maps can be downloaded to blackberries, or other Internet-ready handheld devices.
• •  For online mapping made easy for your customers, identify your location on maps through Yahoo!Maps, Google Maps, or MapQuest.