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# USGS Map-on-Demand Printing

### Fact Sheet 074-99 (March 1999)

 || Introduction || Differences between Lithographic Maps and MOD Maps ||   || Product Delivery  || Product Costs || Information || 
Introduction
Currently, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) uses conventional lithographic printingtechniques to produce paper copies of most of its mapping products. This practice is noteconomical for those products that are in low demand. With the advent of newer technologies,high-speed, large-format printers have been coupled with innovative computer software to turndigital map data into a printed map. It is now possible to store and retrieve data from vastgeospatial data bases and print a map on an as-needed basis; that is, print on demand, therebyeliminating the need to warehouse an inventory of paper maps for which there is lowdemand.

Using print-on-demand technology, the USGS is implementing map-on-demand (MOD)printing for certain infrequently requested maps. By providing MOD, the USGS can offer analternative to traditional, large-volume printing and can improve its responsiveness to customersby giving them greater access to USGS scientific data in a format that otherwise might not beavailable.
Products Available
The first use of MOD technology in the USGS will be confined primarily to selectedthematic maps that are of scientific value but rarely requested. It is anticipated that additionalUSGS mapping titles will be available through print-on-demand means in the future. A list of themaps currently available can be found at rmmcweb.cr.usgs.gov/public/mod.

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Differences between Lithographic Maps and MOD Maps
The paper and inks used in the MOD process are not as durable as those used in traditionalUSGS lithography. Although the inks are ultraviolet resistant, they are not water stable. Theseproducts must be protected from high humidity, wet conditions, and prolonged and consistentexposure to the sun and other radiation sources. The MOD maps can be written on with eitherinkor pencil with no smudging. The maps can be heat laminated with no bleeding of the colors.
Product Delivery 
Maps selected for sale using MOD printing will only be available in this format. Each mapproduced in this way will be evaluated periodically to determine if the demand warrants a lithographic printing. If lithographic prints are made available, the price will be adjusted to the standard price for printedmaps. Because the on-demand product is printed at the request of the customer, it cannot bereturned or exchanged.
Product Costs
The USGS is required by law to recover all costs associated with printing and distribution.The price of MOD products has been established to recover the cost of labor and materialrequired to deliver the product to the customer. Because on-demand printing produces a map when arequest for one is made, the full cost to prepare this map must be recovered at the time of sale.On-demand, unlike lithographic printing, does not have the economic value of volume printing(the more you print, the cheaper it is). There are no discounts on MOD products. MOB priceswill be reevaluated yearly to comply with the mandate to recover costs for printing and distribution.

Please refer to the USGS Maps Price List (PDF) for the most recent prices of all USGS maps and the USGS Maps, Books, andOther Published Products Order Form (PDF) for ordering instructions.

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Information
For more information about USGS map-on-demand printing, contact:

Kirk Volkel, Technical AdvisorU.S. Geological SurveyP.O. Box 25046, MS 504Denver, CO 80225Phone: 303-202-4165Fax: 303-202-4188E-mail: [email protected]
or
Michael Cooley, Policy AdvisorU.S. Geological Survey508 National CenterReston, Virginia 20192Phone: 703-648-5528Fax: 703-648-5939E-mail: [email protected]

For information on other USGS products and services, or visit the generalinterest publications Web site on mapping, geography, and related topics at erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/pubslists/.

For additional information, visit the ask.usgs.gov Website or the USGS home page at www.usgs.gov.

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*Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does notimply endorsement by the U.S. Government.  This document has undergone official review andapproval for publications established by the National Mapping Discipline, U.S. GeologicalSurvey. Some figures have been modified or added to improve the scientific visualization ofinformation.*

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