National Geographic Maps

About National Geographic Maps

The National Geographic Society was founded in Washington D.C. in 1888 with a mission to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge. Its cartographic output has been central to that mission ever since — with maps published as supplements to the iconic yellow-bordered magazine, as standalone wall maps, and as reference atlases distributed worldwide.

National Geographic maps are distinguished by their exceptional detail, scientific rigour, and visual quality. The Society employs professional cartographers and works with geographic data sources at the highest available resolution. The result is a body of work that serves equally as functional reference and as wall art — maps that are accurate enough to use and beautiful enough to frame.

Mapworld has stocked National Geographic maps for over 25 years and carries one of the most comprehensive National Geographic ranges available anywhere in Australia.

The National Geographic Range at Mapworld

The collection spans four broad categories:

Contemporary World & Regional Maps

Current-edition National Geographic world maps and regional wall maps, including the 125th Anniversary World Map — one of the most detailed and visually striking world wall maps in print. Also includes regional maps of Hawaii, Australia, and major world regions.

Historical Archival Maps

National Geographic has published maps continuously since the early 1900s. These archival editions — Africa (1909, 1922, 1935, 1943, 1960, 1980), Asia (1921), Australia (1948, 1963, 1979, 2000), Arctic (1925, 1971, 1983), Indian Ocean (1941, 1992) and more — are sought by historians, educators, collectors, and anyone who wants a visually compelling piece with genuine cartographic heritage. Each edition reflects the geographic understanding of its era, making them fascinating documents of how the world was mapped at different points in history.

Thematic & Special Subject Maps

National Geographic has long produced maps on specific themes: bird migration routes across both hemispheres, the battles of the American Civil War (1961 and 2012 editions), the Heart of the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, the Holy Land, historic Mediterranean civilisations (800 BC–AD 1500), and more. These subject-specific maps are popular for classrooms, offices, libraries, and collectors with a particular geographic or historical interest.

Country & Region Deep-Dives

Dedicated wall maps of individual countries and regions — including Iran, Iraq, India and Burma, the West Indies, Historical France, Historical Italy, Historical Japan, and Historical United States — produced for specific geographic or geopolitical moments and valued for both reference and display.

Formats Available

Every National Geographic map in the Mapworld range is available in multiple formats:

• Paper — standard print on heavyweight paper, ideal for framing or rolling storage.
• Laminated — encapsulated in 80-micron gloss laminate, wipe-clean, durable for office or classroom use.
• Laminated with Hang Rails — laminated map fitted with timber hang rails top and bottom, ready to hang immediately.
• Canvas — printed on archival-quality canvas, giving the map a textured, gallery-ready appearance without a frame.
• Canvas with Hang Rails — canvas print fitted with hang rails for immediate display.

Why Buy National Geographic Maps from Mapworld

• Australia's most comprehensive range. 50+ National Geographic titles covering world maps, archival editions, regional maps, and thematic subjects — broader than any other Australian stockist we're aware of.
• Every format in stock. Paper, laminated, canvas, and hang-railed versions available across the range.
• Free shipping over $75, flat $7 below that. Same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 2 pm AWST from our Perth warehouse.
• 25+ years specialising in maps. We can advise on editions, formats, sizes, and suitability for your specific use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these official National Geographic maps?

Yes. All maps in this collection are published by the National Geographic Society or its licensed cartographic partners. They are authentic National Geographic publications, not reproductions or third-party prints.

What sizes are National Geographic wall maps?

Sizes vary by title. Most standard National Geographic wall maps measure approximately 700 × 1000 mm to 1200 × 800 mm when flat. The 125th Anniversary World Map is 1166 × 773 mm. Individual product pages list the exact dimensions for each title.

What is the difference between the paper and laminated versions?

Paper maps are printed on heavyweight paper stock and are ideal for framing or storing rolled. Laminated maps are sealed in 80-micron gloss laminate — they are wipe-clean, more durable, and suited to offices, classrooms, or any environment where the map will be handled regularly. Laminated maps can also be written on with whiteboard markers.

Can I get a National Geographic map mounted and ready to hang?

Yes. The "Laminated with Hang Rails" and "Canvas with Hang Rails" variants come fitted with timber hang rails top and bottom, so the map is ready to hang straight out of the packaging with no additional framing required.

Are the historical archival editions reprints or originals?

These are high-quality reprints produced from the original National Geographic cartographic files. They are not aged originals — the print quality is modern and crisp — but the geographic content faithfully reproduces the original published edition, including all text, colours, and geographic detail from the year of publication.

Do you stock the National Geographic Atlas of the World?

Mapworld focuses on wall maps in the National Geographic range. For National Geographic atlases and books, please contact us directly and we can advise on availability and ordering.

How fast is shipping?

Orders placed before 2 pm AWST on weekdays dispatch same-day from our Perth warehouse. Australia-wide delivery is typically 2–7 business days via Australia Post. Free shipping on orders over $75; flat $7 below that. Express Post upgrade available at checkout.