World Ocean Floor Wall Map 1981 by National Geographic

Relief, Ridges & Shelves — World Ocean Floor Wall Map (1981)

A snapshot of Earth’s living surface, rendered with clarity and restraint. Published by National Geographic in 1981, this physical world sheet brings both landforms and the ocean floor into sharp focus. Subtle relief shading and detailed bathymetry accentuate mid-ocean ridges, trenches, continental shelves, mountain ranges, river valleys, and deserts in clean, legible cartography that rewards both room-distance viewing and close study. It’s the fabric of the planet—elevated, submerged, and unmistakably of its era—made to study, admire, and display.

More Than a Map – A Testament to Earth Science

This isn’t just wall art—it’s a reference frame for the world’s tectonic bones and climatic skin. Read seafloor structure alongside continental relief to see how plates, currents, and climate shape coasts and interiors. Ideal for educators, oceanographers, earth scientists, designers, and collectors, the sheet stands alone beautifully and pairs perfectly with political or thematic world maps for then-and-now or land-sea comparisons.

Hang it in studios, libraries, classrooms, museums, offices, or at home to invite reflection, study, and conversation.

Premium Materials & Finishes

We treat geography with the respect it deserves. That’s why we offer multiple formats, each produced using high-quality materials and modern archival printing.

🌟 Archival Paper Print
Printed on heavyweight 160gsm archival-grade paper.
Smooth matte finish reduces glare and preserves fine relief shading and labels.
Ideal for framing under glass—clean, timeless, and built to last.

💎 Laminated Edition
Encapsulated in two sheets of 80-micron gloss laminate using true thermal bonding—not just surface lamination.
Moisture-resistant, wipe-clean surface—perfect for classrooms and high-traffic reference spaces.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered rails with a fitted hanging cord provide a polished, ready-to-hang presentation—no frame required. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

🏆 Museum-Quality Canvas
Printed on heavyweight 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas for rich texture and exceptional strength.
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks deliver deep tone and crisp typography that endure for generations.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered to enhance the wood grain and protect against wear; top cord for effortless hanging—elegant in any setting. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

Specifications

Why Choose This Map

✔ Seafloor Spotlight: See ridges, trenches, and shelves with sculptural clarity.
✔ Land–Sea Continuum: Mountain belts and drainage align with ocean structures for a full-planet view.
✔ Decorative & Scholarly: A striking centerpiece with genuine reference value.
✔ Clarity at Scale: Gentle shading and precise labels read beautifully near or far.
✔ Archival Craft: Premium substrates and inks preserve contrast, labels, and linework for decades.

Our Commitment

We believe that preserving geography is as important as teaching it. Every map is printed locally in Australia using state-of-the-art technology, carefully checked by hand, and packed with care. From the moment it leaves our workshop to the day it hangs on your wall, we ensure quality you can trust and a legacy you’ll be proud to share.

Bring Earth’s hidden contours to your wall. Order the World Ocean Floor Wall Map (1981) today—a faithful, beautifully produced sheet that turns a room into a conversation.