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Good Thinking

Paper map "zooms in" as you unfold it

By Ben Coxworth
July 09, 2013
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map2 is a paper map that allows users to zoom in on sections of the city, through a unique folding system
map2 incorporates a patented folding system
map2 is a paper map that allows users to zoom in on sections of the city, through a unique folding system
Each of map2's four quadrants can be pulled open to reveal a more detailed map of that part of the city
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One of the advantages of map apps over traditional paper maps is the fact that with an app, the user can zoom in on one area of a map – no having to spread a whole paper map out just to look at one part of the city. British product designer Anne Stauche decided to level the playing field a little, with her map2 zoomable paper map.

In its completely folded-down form, the map2 fits in the user’s pocket. A very basic overview map of the city is displayed on its backside. Upon initially opening it, a larger map with public transportation routes is revealed. Open it further, however, and a 4-quadrant map of the city is the result.

Each of map2's four quadrants can be pulled open to reveal a more detailed map of that part of the city

To view any one of those quadrants in more detail, you just pull that section open – the other three quadrants remain closed. If you want to keep just that one quadrant handy, you can fold the map down to display only that section on the front (plus another quadrant on the back).

Stauche started by creating a map of London, then added a map of Berlin after receiving a lot of public interest and requests. She now hopes to produce a whole series of maps for cities around the world, and has turned to Kickstarter to fund that venture. A pledge of £8 (US$12) will get you a map of London, Berlin or New York, when and if the funding goal is met.

A demo of the map2 is featured in the video below.

Sources: map2, Kickstarter via Wired UK

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Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
7 comments
Slowburn
This is superior to a book format map how?
Alexander Lowe
Superior because it's smaller and thinner than most A-Z guidebooks, and folds entirely flat, without details near a binding being partially obscured by it (whether perfect or ring binding). It's simple, ingenious, and requires no batteries or special skills beyond basic literacy. The only suggestion I'd make,because it isn't clear from the images and video, is a waterproof coating. Otherwise, I'm sold!
notarichman
not only waterproof, but also make sure it doesn't rip easily. i can see these being used for topo maps as well...especially since gps maps are usually tiny and same with cellphone maps. it would even be better if you could somehow "load up" the map area you intend to use before going on your trip, bicycle trip, hike, whatever. a mount for a handlebar would also be handy. a lighting scheme for the dark also handy. a gps location marker on the map for you would be even more handy.
Sirmike
Looks to be great except... Most people I have found can't even fold the ordinary simple folding maps correctly so what this will end up like is too horrible to contemplate.
For those of us that can fold maps ... wonderful. Congratulations to her for her origami artistry!
Bill Bennett
Slowburn is always negative, even when he likes a product, there is a BUT, I have a BUT too, I have a Navigon system when driving home on I5 in Seattle it freaks out and thinks I am on surface streets, if on a ferry to Whidbey Island it thinks I am 348 feet below sea level, in my Audi, Paper maps are not obsolete, my Clients all VAG prove it half of the cars have paper maps inside
Slowburn
Ok. If you want a map on a wall with all the side street and alleys but don't have a wall big enough for that scale of a map these would work well. But for use while traveling I will use the spiral bound book that fits on my clipboard.
Joseph Boe
Hahaha You FOOLS!
As a man, I do not require a map, or GPS, etc. for I...am never...lost!
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