I occasionally requests I get from people is to obtain printed versions of the maps that I feature on my blog. I’ve never seriously thought about selling hard-copy maps, but it’s one I’m starting to investigate more thoroughly based on the handful of inquiries I get and the relatively-high prices many other people charge.🤑 At the same time the stylistic quality of my maps has improved, as QGIS has included more advanced features in their free GIS program and my skill and knowledge have improved with the software. More free, useful public data is now available for download from the Internet too. I’m very excited about when I upgrade to QGIS 3.0 this spring time.

Making the maps is a relatively easy proposition for me, but getting them printed at an affordable rate is more of a challenge. I should learn more about glossy water resistant card stock and what the costs are for small runs of maps at local printshops. I know they make various types of water resistant card stock, which I think most people would prefer over something that was actually laminated in plastic.🗺 If I found a product that was quality, and found the price, the next thing would be figure out what a reasonable price for my labor is. I’m guessing most of my maps that I would sell would be custom laid out, although I guess I could also sell maps that I have displayed on my blog.

I have in the past made a little money on making maps for various causes, although I admit most of map making has been volunteer in nature. 🍂But that’s fine because I’m learning new skills and getting my name out there. But if there is a product in demand that I could make affordable — possibly well below price of big professional types — it might be worth my effort. It’s something I’m chewing over.