Future Mapping
The Future Mapping Company is a map making company based in Somerset, UK. They produce a range of maps, starting with the classic world wall maps, to country and city wall maps. Using a lithographic printing process each map has bold colours or shimmering metallics, bringing a sense of wonder back to functional maps.
The European map looks fantastic for hanging on the wall and planning European travels. We have a postponed rail trip around Europe, so this would be great to have on the wall to study and re-plan!
Maps can be printed on various different materials, including paper, plastic and magnetic sheets. You can also choose from different frames and rails to display your map on the wall. We were sent the Classic World Wall Map in magnetic finish, which as you can see below is absolutely stunning.
The Map
Our Future Mapping Company map is a fantastic size for the price, 1300mm x 720mm, which takes up most of our kitchen wall! However this is the perfect position for the map as we can all look at the map and discuss our world whilst eating together at dinner. The children have noticed that the map also has the lines for the tectonic plates, which is great for helping to explain plate tectonics. Our youngest has already pointed out how far we can travel overland from Europe, which is an interesting talking point.
As our map is magnetic it arrives along with lots of strong little magnets to place notes and pictures on the map. We currently have a few postcards and other travel items pinned to the map. However I am considering ordering some mini polaroid style images of our travels to stick to the board.
The map itself is a Robinson projection which keeps the shape and size of each country and continent more realistic than other flat maps. It does mean that it shows some parts of the world twice, but that just makes it more interesting. Along with tectonic plates the map also shows the ocean ridges and of course all the countries with current correct names. Additionally there are projections of the North and South poles, which are a useful addition.
Attaching To The Wall
Hanging the map was fairly straightforward. First you need to leave the map for a few hours to flatten (it arrives in a cardboard tube) before attempting to hang. Three magnetic strips arrive with the map and you need to stick the adhesive side to the wall and attach the map to the magnetic strips. I was unsure how strong these would be, but so far it’s stayed up on the wall with no problems.
The small magnets that arrive with the map are very strong and are perfect for fixing notes and photos to your magnetic map. However other fridge style magnets may be too heavy or not a strong enough magnet. We have a few flat fridge magnets that do stick to the map and the kids chose to place them in the countries they came from (we like to buy magnets on our travels!).
The map looks amazing on our wall and I look forward to lots of discussion with the kids over mealtimes. A perfect addition to our travel loving and home educating family.
Pin Future Mapping Magnetic Map
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