I admit I’ve been known to use a GPS and MapQuest to find my way around. But deep in my heart those tools have nothing over printed paper maps. There is something about the way a map transports me to faraway places without having to leave my comfy chair. Enticing names like Panther Gorge, Ulan Bator or Nunavik can easily lure me into fanciful daydreams. I trace squiggly lines of ink leading to and from those imagined places with a finger as I anticipate each footstep, paddle stroke or asphalt mile.
I collect maps of places I haven’t been, a reminder that I’m going to go there someday. I save maps of places I’ve traveled, marked up with notes and arrows, frayed at their crease lines from countless unfoldings. Contour maps, road maps and city subway maps, they are all valuable mementos.
Maps have personality and are often quite beautifully and artistically rendered. I pulled some maps out of my overflowing “map box” and have been playing with them as part of a project I’m working on having to do with adventure travel. I thought I’d share these map-inspired color palettes with you.
To see more color inspiration click here
P.S. The other thing I love about maps is that they don’t fail you when you’re out of satellite range or if the internet is down.
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Tags: Anacosti map, color inspiration, map colors, McKinley map, Munich map, Nepal map, Romania map
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I feel the same way about maps… but could not have put it so eloquently. I recently watched this BBC series, which had some fascinating bits and which you might enjoy too if it’s ever being shown where you are
Great colour palettes as always – I particularly like the first one (both map and palette!).
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I have felt it before with your color palettes, but really got why I like them through your maps. I too love a map, but often feel overwhelmed by all the info. on them. Your color palette grounds the image for me, which allows me to focus in on specific details. Thanks for digging them up and sharing. I have just ordered a map from http://www.adventuremaps.net, a small family owned company producing water proof and tear proof maps for mountain biking and hiking in the Western states. My goal is to paddle around lake Tahoe and hike as much as I can of the rim tail!
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