Mapworld and HP: The Perfect Partnership

by Christopher O'Keeffe June 12, 2026

How Australia’s largest map retailer uses Hewlett-Packard large-format printing technology, HP pigment-based archival inks, archival FSC paper, HP Professional Matte Canvas and waterproof Tyvek to produce wall maps, historical maps, nautical charts, topographic maps and custom mapping with exceptional clarity and durability.

A map is only as good as the way it is printed.

The cartography may be detailed.

The data may be current.

The artwork may be beautiful.

The historical source may be extraordinary.

But if the print is soft, dull, inaccurate, fragile or poorly finished, the map loses its purpose.

At Mapworld, printing is not an afterthought.

It is central to what we do.

As Australia’s largest map retailer, Mapworld has built its production around HP’s advanced large-format printer technology, paired with HP pigment-based archival inks, archival FSC paper, HP Professional Matte Canvas and waterproof Tyvek.

This partnership allows Mapworld to produce maps that are sharp, durable, colour-accurate and fit for purpose — whether the customer is buying a classroom wall map, a laminated business map, a historical chart, a canvas art print, a waterproof topographic map or a custom enlargement.

Our HP printers are supplied and serviced by Artref, Perth’s specialist large-format printer and consumables supplier. With Artref’s support, Mapworld runs a professional production environment built around reliability, quality and scale.

The result is simple:

better maps, printed better.

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Why Printing Technology Matters for Maps

Maps are different from ordinary posters.

A map needs detail.

Tiny place names must remain readable.

Fine road lines must stay crisp.

Contours must print cleanly.

Grid lines must remain accurate.

Colours must separate clearly.

Coastlines, borders, symbols, relief shading and typography must all work together.

That is why Mapworld uses professional HP large-format printers rather than ordinary poster-printing equipment.

Map printing demands:

• sharp linework

• accurate colour

• fine text reproduction

• durable inks

• consistent results

• wide media compatibility

• reliable production speed

• excellent handling of heavy paper, canvas and specialty materials

• the ability to print large-format maps cleanly and consistently

This is especially important for products such as:

• large wall maps

• topographic maps

• nautical charts

• mining and resource maps

• business maps

• health network maps

• classroom maps

• historical maps

• vintage National Geographic maps

• art prints

• canvas maps

• waterproof Tyvek maps

• custom mapping projects

A wall map is often viewed up close and from across the room.

It must work at both distances.

That is where HP technology makes a difference.

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HP Pigment-Based Archival Inks: Colour That Lasts

Mapworld uses HP pigment-based archival inks because maps are designed to last.

Pigment inks are known for their strong durability, colour stability and resistance to fading compared with many dye-based alternatives.

For Mapworld customers, this matters because maps are often long-term purchases.

A school may keep a world map on the classroom wall for years.

A business may use a laminated territory map every week.

A family may frame a historical map for a study.

A traveller may display a canvas map in a home office.

A government or mining office may keep a large wall map in a planning room.

The print needs to hold up.

HP pigment-based archival inks help deliver:

• strong colour reproduction

• crisp black text

• long-lasting print quality

• professional presentation

• improved fade resistance

• excellent detail for maps and charts

• reliable output across different media

For historical maps and art prints, pigment inks help preserve the richness of the original artwork.

For technical maps, they help maintain clarity and legibility.

For canvas maps, they help create depth and colour stability.

For Tyvek maps, they support rugged outdoor and field-ready output.

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Archival FSC Paper: A Better Foundation

Mapworld pairs HP printer technology with archival FSC paper for many wall maps and art prints.

Good paper matters.

It affects colour, sharpness, texture, weight and longevity.

Archival paper is designed for long-term display and storage. FSC certification also supports responsible forestry and more sustainable sourcing.

For Mapworld customers, archival FSC paper is ideal for:

• wall maps

• historical maps

• vintage maps

• educational maps

• art prints

• custom map enlargements

• framed display

• collector-style prints

The finish is clean and professional.

The detail is crisp.

The paper has the substance needed for a premium map product.

When combined with HP pigment-based inks, it gives Mapworld a strong foundation for high-quality map printing.

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HP Professional Matte Canvas: Maps as Wall Art

Not every map is purchased purely for reference.

Many maps are also beautiful objects.

A National Geographic map.

A historical chart.

A vintage travel poster.

A Terra Australis chart.

A pastoral station map.

A Hema Road & Terrain map.

A world map in a home office.

A map can be information and wall art at the same time.

That is why Mapworld uses HP Professional Matte Canvas for canvas products.

Canvas gives maps:

• warmth

• texture

• depth

• a premium wall-art feel

• a softer non-glare surface

• strong interior-design appeal

• excellent display presence

Canvas is ideal for:

• homes

• offices

• boardrooms

• libraries

• reception areas

• studies

• classrooms

• gift maps

• historical prints

• decorative wall maps

When printed with HP pigment-based inks, canvas maps have a rich, professional appearance that suits both modern and traditional spaces.

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Waterproof Tyvek: Built for the Field

Some maps are not made for walls.

They are made for the field.

Topographic maps, emergency-service maps, mining maps, expedition maps and outdoor navigation maps need to survive difficult conditions.

That is where Tyvek comes in.

Tyvek is a waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic material that is ideal for rugged map use.

Mapworld uses waterproof Tyvek for maps that may be folded, handled, carried, exposed to moisture or used in challenging environments.

Tyvek maps are especially suitable for:

• emergency services

• field crews

• bushwalkers

• 4WD users

• mining teams

• outdoor educators

• surveyors

• defence and training users

• search and rescue support

• topographic map users

• remote-area navigation

A Tyvek topographic map can be folded, handled and used in wet or rough conditions where ordinary paper may fail.

When mapping really matters in the field, the material matters too.

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Supplied and Serviced by Artref

Mapworld’s HP production environment is supplied and serviced by Artref, a Perth-based specialist in large-format printers, ink and consumables.

For Mapworld, this local supply-and-service relationship is essential.

Large-format production depends on reliability.

Printers must be maintained.

Ink supply must be dependable.

Media must be available.

Technical support must be close at hand.

With Artref’s support, Mapworld can keep producing maps for customers across Australia — from everyday wall maps to urgent business maps, waterproof topographic maps and premium canvas prints.

It is a critical partnership built on specialist equipment, specialist service and specialist output.

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The HP Printers Used by Mapworld

Mapworld’s production is built around a suite of HP large-format printers, each chosen for a different role.

The printers include:

• HP DesignJet Z6200ps 42-in Photo

• HP DesignJet Z9 Pro 64-in PS

• HP DesignJet Z9dr 44-in

• HP PageWide XL 4000PS MFP

Together, these machines give Mapworld the flexibility to print detailed photographic maps, large-format canvas maps, fast technical output, waterproof field maps, wall maps, business maps and high-volume production jobs.

Each printer has a purpose.

Together, they create the backbone of Mapworld’s print quality.

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HP DesignJet Z6200ps 42-in Photo: Proven Photo Production

The HP DesignJet Z6200ps 42-in Photo is a proven production printer used for high-quality map and image output.

It is particularly well suited to work where colour, speed and detail matter.

For Mapworld, this printer supports:

• wall maps

• photographic map output

• detailed colour maps

• art reproduction

• historical map printing

• high-quality poster-style maps

• production runs requiring consistent output

The Z6200ps uses pigment-based ink technology and is known for producing high-resolution output up to 2400 × 1200 optimised dpi.

For map printing, that resolution matters because fine labels, boundaries, coastline details, relief shading and subtle colour changes all need to remain clean.

The Z6200ps is part of Mapworld’s production backbone because it offers the combination every map printer needs:

speed, quality and reliability.

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HP DesignJet Z9 Pro 64-in PS: Large-Format Premium Photo Quality

The HP DesignJet Z9 Pro 64-in PS is one of Mapworld’s key premium large-format printers.

Its 64-inch media width gives Mapworld the ability to produce large wall maps, canvas maps and display pieces at serious scale.

This machine is particularly valuable for:

• large wall maps

• canvas maps

• large-format art prints

• historical map reproductions

• premium display maps

• wide-format custom work

• high-quality photographic output

The Z9 Pro is designed for professional photo-quality output with a wide colour gamut, strong colour accuracy, smooth gradients and efficient media handling.

For Mapworld customers, that means large maps can be printed with rich colour and excellent detail.

This is especially important for:

• National Geographic maps

• historical charts

• shaded-relief maps

• Hema terrain maps

• vintage travel posters

• art prints

• canvas wall maps

• decorative world and Australia maps

Large format is not enough by itself.

A big map also needs to be sharp.

The HP DesignJet Z9 Pro gives Mapworld the scale and quality needed for premium wall-map production.

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HP DesignJet Z9dr 44-in: Precision, Dual Rolls and Smart Finishing

The HP DesignJet Z9dr 44-in is another important printer in Mapworld’s HP lineup.

It is a professional photo-quality printer designed for high-quality output, accurate colour and efficient workflow.

 

 

Its strengths include:

• 44-inch print width

• pigment-based ink

• high-resolution output

• smooth gradients

• sharp detail

• dual-roll support

• smart roll switching

• automatic horizontal cutting

• integrated vertical trimming

• strong suitability for photographic, fine art, coated, bond and canvas media

For Mapworld, the Z9dr is especially valuable where both quality and workflow efficiency are important.

The dual-roll capability helps reduce media changeover time.

The integrated trimming system helps streamline finishing.

The colour system supports smooth transitions and detailed output.

For customers, this means cleaner prints, faster production and more consistent presentation.

The Z9dr is ideal for:

• premium wall maps

• canvas maps

• framed paper maps

• historical maps

• art prints

• business maps

• education maps

• custom map products

It is a precision printer for maps that need to look refined.

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HP PageWide XL 4000PS MFP: Speed for Technical and Production Mapping

The HP PageWide XL 4000PS MFP plays a different but equally important role.

It is built for high-speed technical printing, scanning and copying.

For a map business, that matters.

Not every job is a single premium canvas print.

Some jobs involve volume.

Technical drawings.

Planning maps.

Large-format copies.

Fast wall-map production.

Scanning and reproducing large documents.

Maps for offices, schools, field teams and institutions.

The PageWide XL 4000PS MFP helps Mapworld handle these demands efficiently.

It supports:

• fast monochrome and colour output

• technical document printing

• crisp linework

• fine detail

• smooth greyscales

• pigment-based output

• integrated scanning

• copying

• multi-roll productivity

• production efficiency

For maps, the benefits are clear.

Fine lines remain sharp.

Text stays readable.

Large-format jobs can be turned around quickly.

Technical and planning maps can be produced efficiently.

This makes the HP PageWide XL 4000PS MFP especially valuable for:

• topographic maps

• technical maps

• planning maps

• government maps

• mining maps

• emergency-service maps

• business maps

• education maps

• large-format copying

• fast production runs

It is the production engine of the print room.

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Why HP Printers Are So Well Suited to Mapworld

Mapworld’s print requirements are unusually broad.

We print products for:

• homes

• schools

• offices

• government departments

• mining companies

• emergency services

• defence customers

• libraries

• travellers

• collectors

• sailors

• field users

• businesses

• teachers

• designers

A single printer cannot do everything perfectly.

That is why Mapworld uses a suite of HP machines.

Together, they provide:

• photo-quality output

• technical-line accuracy

• high-speed production

• large-format width

• canvas capability

• archival print quality

• media versatility

• waterproof map production

• scanning and copying

• reliable workflow

• consistent colour

This gives Mapworld the flexibility to print a wide range of map products to the right standard.

A historical map does not need the same handling as a field topographic map.

A classroom wall map is different from a canvas print.

A business planning map is different from a nautical chart.

HP technology allows Mapworld to match the print process to the purpose.

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What This Means for Customers

The Mapworld and HP partnership matters because customers receive better products.

Sharper Detail

Tiny map labels, road lines, contour lines and boundaries remain clear.

Better Colour

Relief shading, ocean tones, political colours and artwork reproduce cleanly.

Longer-Lasting Prints

HP pigment-based archival inks help maps retain colour and quality over time.

More Finish Options

Customers can choose paper, laminated, canvas, hang rails and waterproof Tyvek formats.

Larger Maps

HP wide-format printers allow Mapworld to produce serious wall-scale maps for classrooms, offices and boardrooms.

Better Canvas Output

HP Professional Matte Canvas gives decorative maps and historical prints a premium finish.

Field-Ready Maps

Waterproof Tyvek allows topographic maps and field maps to survive rugged use.

Reliable Custom Printing

Customers can request enlargements, special sizes and custom map projects with confidence.

The result is a better map experience from start to finish.

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Large Wall Maps: Where HP Technology Shines

Large wall maps are one of Mapworld’s specialties.

They are used in:

• classrooms

• boardrooms

• planning rooms

• logistics offices

• government departments

• mining offices

• emergency services

• defence bases

• health organisations

• libraries

• homes

Large maps must remain readable at scale.

If a map is enlarged poorly, text can soften and colours can muddy.

HP large-format technology helps preserve clarity across large surfaces.

This is essential for products such as:

• Australia wall maps

• world wall maps

• state wall maps

• city business maps

• mining and resource maps

• health network maps

• classroom maps

• historical wall maps

• Hema Supermaps and Mega Maps

A large map should not just be big.

It should be useful.

That is the print-quality standard Mapworld aims for.

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Canvas Maps and Historical Prints

Some of Mapworld’s most beautiful products are canvas maps and historical prints.

These include:

• vintage National Geographic maps

• Terra Australis charts

• historical Australian maps

• pastoral station maps

• vintage travel posters

• naval battle prints

• fine art prints

• decorative world maps

• antique-style maps

For these products, colour and texture matter.

HP pigment-based inks on HP Professional Matte Canvas give these prints a rich, durable and refined appearance.

Canvas maps are ideal for:

• living rooms

• offices

• libraries

• studies

• boardrooms

• reception areas

• gift maps

• feature walls

They turn cartography into wall art.

And because they are printed using professional HP technology, they retain the detail and depth that makes maps worth displaying.

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Waterproof Tyvek Topographic Maps

Mapworld also produces maps for people who do not want a map to stay on the wall.

They want it in the field.

Emergency services, outdoor users, defence customers, surveyors, 4WD travellers, bushwalkers and field teams often need maps that can survive real use.

Waterproof Tyvek maps are ideal for this.

Printed with HP technology, these maps can combine detailed cartography with rugged field durability.

They are useful for:

• NSW topographic maps

• emergency-service mapping

• field navigation

• outdoor training

• exploration

• remote-area travel

• rugged work environments

A Tyvek map is not a luxury.

For some users, it is the format that makes the map usable.

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Custom Map Printing and Enlargement

One of the major benefits of Mapworld’s HP production environment is the ability to produce custom work.

Customers often need maps in special sizes.

A business may need a larger planning map.

A school may want a map sized for a particular wall.

A customer may want a historical map enlarged for framing.

A mining company may need a large map for a boardroom.

A government department may require a laminated map for a planning room.

HP large-format printers make this possible.

Mapworld can print maps in a range of sizes and finishes, helping customers choose the format that suits the space.

This is where technology, materials and cartographic knowledge come together.

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Artref: The Local Support Behind the Print Room

A print room is only as strong as its support.

Mapworld’s HP printers are supplied and serviced by Artref, a Perth-based specialist in large-format printers, supplies and consumables.

Artref’s role is important because Mapworld relies on its printers every day.

Good service means less downtime.

Reliable consumable supply means consistent production.

Local knowledge means problems are solved quickly.

For a business that prints maps for customers around Australia, that support matters.

The Mapworld, HP and Artref relationship is therefore a practical production partnership:

• HP provides the technology.

• Artref provides local supply and service.

• Mapworld turns that technology into premium maps.

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A Better Map Begins with Better Production

Many customers only see the finished map.

They do not see the printers.

The inks.

The paper.

The canvas.

The Tyvek.

The profiling.

The trimming.

The lamination.

The careful handling.

But all of these things affect the finished product.

Mapworld’s commitment to HP technology is part of a broader commitment to quality.

It is why our maps can serve such different customers:

• a child learning geography

• a school building a classroom wall

• a business planning sales territories

• a defence base fitting out a training room

• an ambulance or fire-service team needing field maps

• a mining company setting up a boardroom

• a traveller choosing a canvas map for home

• a collector buying a historical chart

Different customers.

Different uses.

One standard: print the map properly.

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Why the Partnership Works

The Mapworld and HP partnership works because both are built around precision.

HP large-format printers are designed for demanding professional output.

Mapworld’s products demand exactly that.

Maps require clarity.

HP delivers sharpness.

Maps require colour stability.

HP pigment-based inks support durability.

Maps require scale.

HP wide-format machines provide it.

Maps require different media.

HP printers handle paper, canvas and technical materials.

Maps require production reliability.

Artref helps keep the system running.

It is the perfect partnership because it brings together technology, materials, service and cartographic purpose.

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Final Thoughts

At Mapworld, we believe maps deserve to be printed properly.

A wall map should be sharp.

A canvas map should be beautiful.

A topographic map should be readable.

A business map should be durable.

A historical map should feel worthy of display.

A waterproof field map should survive the conditions it was made for.

That is why Mapworld uses HP large-format printer technology, HP pigment-based archival inks, archival FSC paper, HP Professional Matte Canvas and waterproof Tyvek.

With printers supplied and serviced by Artref — including the HP DesignJet Z6200ps 42-in Photo, HP DesignJet Z9 Pro 64-in PS, HP DesignJet Z9dr 44-in and HP PageWide XL 4000PS MFP — Mapworld has built a production environment capable of serving customers across Australia.

This is not simply printing.

It is mapmaking at scale.

And for Mapworld, HP is the perfect partner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What printers does Mapworld use?

Mapworld uses HP large-format printers, including the HP DesignJet Z6200ps 42-in Photo, HP DesignJet Z9 Pro 64-in PS, HP DesignJet Z9dr 44-in and HP PageWide XL 4000PS MFP.

Why does Mapworld use HP printers?

HP printers provide the sharp detail, colour accuracy, large-format capability, media flexibility and production reliability needed for professional map printing.

What inks does Mapworld use?

Mapworld uses HP pigment-based archival inks for durable, professional-quality map printing.

What paper does Mapworld use?

Mapworld prints many products on archival FSC paper, providing a strong, responsible and long-lasting foundation for wall maps and prints.

Does Mapworld print on canvas?

Yes. Mapworld uses HP Professional Matte Canvas for canvas wall maps, historical maps, art prints and decorative map products.

Does Mapworld print waterproof maps?

Yes. Mapworld prints selected maps on waterproof Tyvek, a durable material ideal for field maps and rugged outdoor use.

Who supplies and services Mapworld’s printers?

Mapworld’s HP printers are supplied and serviced by Artref, a Perth-based specialist in large-format printers, ink and consumables.

Why do maps need professional printing?

Maps contain fine text, road lines, contours, symbols, colours and detailed cartography. Professional large-format printing helps preserve clarity and readability.

Can Mapworld print custom map sizes?

Yes. Mapworld can produce custom map enlargements and specialist map prints in a range of sizes and finishes.

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