1. What is a Giant Traveling Map?
National Geographic Giant Traveling Maps are oversized vinyl floor maps. They are the largest maps ever produced by National Geographic and require a school gym or large room for use. Each map is accompanied by a set of activities and materials. The map is in one piece, and requires no assembly.

2. Which maps are available?
Currently maps of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and the Pacific Ocean are available for loan.

3. How big are they? How heavy are they?
The sizes of the maps vary, and they are not all made to the same scale. Below are approximate sizes for the maps currently available:
Africa: 26’ x 35’
Asia: 26’ x 33’
Europe: 26’ x 35’ (available starting Nov 12, 2012)
North America: 26’ x 35’
Pacific Ocean: Approx 26’ X 35”
South America: 26’ x 35’

Once removed from the tube, the maps easily unfold and spread out on a basketball court. Two people can handle this easily. If necessary, the maps can be folded and moved quickly for temporary storage at the end of a gym. Each map comes folded and rolled in a tube approximately 10’ in length and 12” in diameter. The tubes are made from single-wall, corrugated HDPE plastic pipe. The combined weight of the map and tube is about 110 lbs. You will need two strong individuals to lift the map when it is in its tube.

All of the activities and materials come packed in a separate trunk.

4. What kinds of materials are included in the trunk that accompanies the map?
Each trunk includes a binder with laminated copies of the activities, and all of the materials required. Materials vary by map, and include items like game cards, large hoops, colored cones, rope, flag football flags, poly spots, giant dice, an inflatable globe and air pump, and oversized map keys.

5. Where should we put the map?
The map will not fit in a classroom. Usually the maps are set up in a gymnasium or media center. Obviously this will require you to negotiate use of the space with the physical education teacher and principal. With this in mind, we encourage physical education teachers to join in this educational activity, and we suggest a number of activities that would be appropriate. If necessary, the maps may be quickly folded and rolled out of harm’s way.

6. May we use the map outside?
No. The maps may not be used outside under any circumstances.

7. Are the maps cartographically accurate?
Absolutely. The cartographic work is done by National Geographic’s renowned Map Division. The maps are modeled after the maps that appear in the National Geographic Atlas of the World (8th & 9th Editions).

8. How much does it cost?
For schools, the fee to borrow a National Geographic Giant Traveling Map in the 2012–2013 school year is $525 (for the minimum two-week loan). Additional weeks cost $265/week. This fee includes shipping. There are no additional fees to schools.

For museums, zoos, festivals, resorts, and other non-school uses the fee is $765 (for the minimum two-week loan). Additional weeks cost $385/week. Additional shipping fees will apply, depending on location and length of loan.

Long-term loans (6 weeks to 48 weeks) are available at discounted rates. Contact Dan Beaupre for availability and pricing via email at dbeaupre@ngs.org or by phone at +1 202–281–8728.

9. How is it delivered?
You provide us with a delivery and pick-up location, and we arrange for freight shipping. Shipping costs are included in the map rental fee for schools (see above). The map will be delivered and picked up on the days we determine in advance. Maps usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday and are picked up on the Friday morning that ends the rental period. If you have a loading door or dock we’ll arrange to deliver it to that spot. Due to the high costs of shipping freight, we may ask that you pick up the map at a location within a short drive of your school. Note: The exact time of day for delivery and pick up cannot be determined. The map may be dropped off and picked up anytime during normal school hours on the dates beginning and ending the loan.

10. How long may we keep the map?
Maps are loaned for a minimum of two weeks. Many first-time borrowers quickly learn how in-demand the map is once colleagues see it and decide to borrow it for longer the next year. Often the map is shared with a neighboring school, making it more affordable. We do not advise scheduling use of the map on the day of arrival and the day of pick up because the exact time of day of delivery and pick up cannot be determined in advance.

11. May we use the map for a special event?
Yes. A Giant Traveling Map is a great centerpiece for a special event in your school, and can be an exciting way to engage parents and community members. The maps are used regularly at School Geography Nights, community Sock-Hops, and celebrations of international cultures.

12. Can I drive the map to other schools in my car?
The map tube and trunk will not fit in your car. You’ll need a pick-up truck or cargo van to transport the map from location to location. The map tube is probably longer than the bed of a pick-up truck. It may extend past the back gate, and will need to be secured with rope.

13. What kind of curriculum comes with the map?
We have created a number of activities for each map, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and the Pacific Ocean. These activities are designed to take advantage of the scale and to allow students to experience the map in a physical way. Each activity has a suggested grade range, but may be adapted to suit classes outside the range.

14. How much time should I plan for my class to be on the map?
The amount of time needed to do the provided activities ranges from one 45 minute class session to three sessions. It is advised to schedule each class a minimum of one 45 minute session. Most teachers find three to four sessions ideal for students to get a rich experience.

15. Are there any special rules concerning use and care of the maps?
Yes. To ensure no damage is done, no shoes are allowed on the map. Students should be encouraged to wear socks on days they’ll be traveling on the map. In addition, no writing utensils or other sharp objects are allowed. The maps tend to get scuffed up a bit over time, which is to be expected, but we must do everything possible to prevent punctures and tears.

16. A local reporter is interested in doing a piece on the map in our school. What should I say?
The maps are a big draw for local media. Take advantage of this to draw focus to your school’s efforts to bring rich and meaningful educational experiences to your students. Tell the reporter how your school has used the map, and what kind of impression it has made on your students. We have press releases for each map with all of the details about the program which you may distribute to newspapers and television stations. For a press release, contact Dan Beaupre at +1 202–281–8728 or dbeaupre@ngs.org.

17. We weren’t able to get a Giant Traveling Map last year. How can I get one this year?
Please apply again. Currently, there is great demand for the Giant Traveling Maps. We are producing new maps regularly.

18. Who produces the Giant Traveling Maps?
National Geographic Giant Traveling Maps are produced by National Geographic Live. As the live events division of the National Geographic Society, NG Live produces multi-media presentations, performances, and film screenings for the general public, school audiences, and sponsoring organizations throughout the world.

All other questions may be directed to Dan Beaupre at +1 202–281-8728 or dbeaupre@ngs.org

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