42 replies to this topic

[Nick Springer]

I am planning on doing it again for sure. I have learned a lot from this first one about print on demand, so I expect the next one to go much smoother.

[Clark Geomatics]

I am planning on doing it again for sure. I have learned a lot from this first one about print on demand, so I expect the next one to go much smoother.

Just ordered my copy - I would like to say a big "thanks" to Nick for his idea and follow-through with this project. I only see good things coming out of this exercise. I agree with many of CartoTalk's member that we should definitely do it again next year.

[Oremantis]

yay, just placed my order and looking forward to it. Thanks for taking the initiative to produce something like this.

[Ed Gage]

I just placed my order, w/out a problem, and am looking forward to receiving my copy. A long belated thanks to all the folks who maintain and contribute this site...
I'm quite green to producing maps and far from willing to call myself a Cartographer yet, but through all the great posts and through visits to member's websites, I've gained a great appreciation for Cartography as an art and science and inspiration (and innumerable practical tips) for furthering my education. In this new era of Google Earth, GMaps, Virtual Earth, World Wind, sub-meter ortho imagery, cheap GPS units, etc., where Geographic info is becoming as easy to access (and take for granted) as the weather forecast, I appreciate the great skill and artistry exhibited in all of your work.

[Jim Harken]

Thanks for getting this printed, I'm looking forward to my copy.

I ordered through Amazon since I have an account on there, is it better to order through Lulu though? Does Amazon take a cut of the profits?

[Rick Dey]

Nick,
You should bring a few copies to NACIS. I'm sure you could generate some more interest there.

[Clark Geomatics]

Just received my copy of the Design Annual - must say I'm honoured to be on the same pages as the talent shown in the book. Very impressive portfolio! Well done all!

[Dennis McClendon]

Reviewed on the Map Room blog:

http://www.mcwetboy.net/maproom/

[David Medeiros]

I just got my copy of the CDA this week. Great publication, I really like being able to compare contrast the maps with each other in relation to the software being used. The quality of the print-on-demand book is better than I had expected.

I am a little disappointed with the readability of the full map views. A slightly larger page size would accommodate larger reproductions of the full maps which are so rich and detailed you really want to be able to see into them more. That would of course up the cost which is my other gripe, this is a bit spendy for what you are getting. If the cost could be brought down a bit in future editions (or size and quantity of maps increased) I'd be on board to buy again. That being said I am going to recommend the book to my GIS class, there's a lot to be learned in terms of cartographic design by just looking at various examples of high quality maps.

Dave

[Nick Springer]

I just got my copy of the CDA this week. Great publication, I really like being able to compare contrast the maps with each other in relation to the software being used. The quality of the print-on-demand book is better than I had expected.

I am a little disappointed with the readability of the full map views. A slightly larger page size would accommodate larger reproductions of the full maps which are so rich and detailed you really want to be able to see into them more. That would of course up the cost which is my other gripe, this is a bit spendy for what you are getting. If the cost could be brought down a bit in future editions (or size and quantity of maps increased) I'd be on board to buy again. That being said I am going to recommend the book to my GIS class, there's a lot to be learned in terms of cartographic design by just looking at various examples of high quality maps.

Dave

I have begun to research plans for the next annual based on my own experiences and comments that I have heard from readers.

The next book will most likely not be printed with Lulu.com, but rather an independent printer that has similar short-run digital presses. This will give me more technical control over the process, most likely reduce costs, and streamline ordering.

Depending on the level of submissions I may increase the page count slightly, but it can't get too much bigger if I want to reduce the cost overall. The trim size is limited to the digital press limitations for full-bleed color of 8.5"x11" so the book dimensions probably won't change much (I want to keep it close to square to accommodate various map aspect ratios).

I will also be asking contributors to provide some explanatory text to add more insight into the map authors thoughts and processes.

I am hoping to start the process for #2 earlier in the year than book #1 so the maps are a little "fresher" and then the book will come out more towards the beginning of each year. Look for submission requests towards the end of Q1 2009.

[David Medeiros]

The next book will most likely not be printed with Lulu.com, but rather an independent printer that has similar short-run digital presses. This will give me more technical control over the process, most likely reduce costs, and streamline ordering.

Have you thought about contacting Edward Tufte regarding publishing? I'm not sure how he does it but he self publishes books that are works of art themselves at $40 each when they could easily be $60 - $80 books if published through a standard print company.

I understand the size limitations, and to be honest the size is nice and the maps look great. The problem is not really quality but that each map is so detailed and rich I find myself with my nose to the page trying to make out the smallest design details!

Glad to hear your moving forward with this project.

Dave

[Nick Springer]

Have you thought about contacting Edward Tufte regarding publishing? I'm not sure how he does it but he self publishes books that are works of art themselves at $40 each when they could easily be $60 - $80 books if published through a standard print company.

Unfortunately the problem is that this is very much a niche product and so we can only support a small press run, which is only feasible with digital printing. Ed Tufte's books are offset printed in huge runs which makes it economical.

[MapMedia]

I certainly do hope you have another edition. I am very impressed with the maps in it and the overall presentation.
Ideally it would be great to have more writing, such as you said, the stories behind each map.