Northern Hemisphere (1946) Wall Map by National Geographic

Distances, Bases & Borders — Northern Hemisphere Wall Map (1946)

A snapshot of postwar air-age geography, rendered with clarity and restraint. Published in February 1946 in National Geographic Magazine, this Northern Hemisphere sheet charts airline distances and U.S. air bases across a polar-centered view. European boundaries appear as they were before Germany’s 1939 invasion of Poland, while Russian boundaries reflect treaties and claims as of December 1, 1945—a precise window into a world on the edge of reordering.

More Than a Map – A Testament to History

This isn’t just wall art—it’s a reference frame for global aviation and shifting borders at the close of WWII. The design bridges wartime and peacetime realities, making it invaluable to educators, historians, designers, and collectors alike. Hang it in studios, libraries, classrooms, museums, offices, or at home to invite reflection, study, and conversation.

Premium Materials & Finishes

We treat history 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 linework 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—ready to display. (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; 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

✔ Aviation Era Focus: Polar-centered airline distances and U.S. air bases at a glance.
✔ Borderline Moment: Europe pre-1939 juxtaposed with late-1945 Soviet claims for precise context.
✔ Decorative & Scholarly: Strong wall presence with genuine reference value.
✔ Archival Craft: Premium substrates and inks preserve contrast, labels, and linework for decades.

Our Commitment

We believe that preserving history is as important as telling 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 the early air age into focus. Order the Northern Hemisphere (1946) today—a faithful, beautifully produced sheet that turns a room into a conversation.