Why do digital maps cost more than paper?
Paper maps are typically produced by the same organization that creates the data, and as such can make use of the data without licensing it from a third party. Digital maps are a relatively new project for many of these organizations, and outside of the United States many national mapping agencies are required by law to obtain revenue from the licensing of their data. This means that creating digital maps often involves negotiating a complex set of licensing agreements, which can limit the data we can supply and govern the price at which we can sell it. Unlike paper, digital maps have been programmed to work with a digital device or devices so there are development costs to be covered. Digital maps do offer some advantages that can justify their cost relative to paper maps • Portability: Not as cumbersome as a paper map which has to be unfolded, refolded and if not laminated, can get wet and tear. • Durability: For the reasons above, the map never wears out. As long as the map file is
