How does WardMaps.com digitize maps to be printed?
We utilize two processes to digitize our maps. The first process scans original maps at 300-400dpi via a large-format commercial scanner. Maps are scanned in a single pass, allowing us to capture all of the detailed text, colors, building plans and place names of each map. We do not assemble any of our maps from a series of smaller scans. The second process is photographic, utilized for maps too large or too fragile for the scanner. For oversize and fragile maps we utilize a high resolution digital camera, similar to that used by the Museum of Fine Arts Boston to capture large art work for printing. With the maps digitized, we begin the restoration process. Certain maps are already digitized by third parties for inclusion in our collection. We only work with digital files of the highest resolution and quality.
