Storing poster maps

[GuJiaXian]

I have a pile of poster maps. Some are from various DDM sets, some from the Fantastic Locations series, some from the new 4e modules. I often repurpose these maps and use them as off-the-cuff maps for D&D or whatnot. Currently they're all neatly folded up, tucked into plastic sheet protectors in a three-ring binder.

This is a less-than-ideal solution. Specifically, unless I pull each individual map out, unfold it (carefully, lest I tear the already-worn creases), and inspect both sides, I can only see a small part of one side. I could have them all laminated, but then I either have to find a way to store them all flat or deal with them curling (if I store them rolled up).

So, how does everyone else neatly and efficiently store their poster maps? I'm looking for something that balances efficiency and space with cost.

 

[Storminator]

I have a pile of poster maps. Some are from various DDM sets, some from the Fantastic Locations series, some from the new 4e modules. I often repurpose these maps and use them as off-the-cuff maps for D&D or whatnot. Currently they're all neatly folded up, tucked into plastic sheet protectors in a three-ring binder.

This is a less-than-ideal solution. Specifically, unless I pull each individual map out, unfold it (carefully, lest I tear the already-worn creases), and inspect both sides, I can only see a small part of one side. I could have them all laminated, but then I either have to find a way to store them all flat or deal with them curling (if I store them rolled up).

So, how does everyone else neatly and efficiently store their poster maps? I'm looking for something that balances efficiency and space with cost.

On the wall.

I have a dedicated gaming room, and I just tack 'em up. Then when we change campaigns I tack the new ones on top of the old ones... some places they're 3 deep!

PS

 

[tomBitonti]

At a FLGS (All-Fun-And-Games, in Cary, NC), I've seen DDM players with their maps laminated on both sides and stored into a large folio.

Thx!

Tom Bitonti

 

[GuJiaXian]

If you hang a poster map on the wall, doesn't that kind of make it so you can't use it? Perhaps I wasn't very clear...I mean the sort of grid-based maps that came with DDM, not the kind of geographical map that comes with the FRCS.

 

[tmatk]

If you want to laminate them and store them flat, you could get an artists portfolio case. Go to decent art supply store, you can get them in cardboard, canvas, leather, plastic.

Heres one example - Cheap Joe's Artists Portfolio Case - Medium

 

[GuJiaXian]

Those are all some good suggestions. Perhaps I could even laminate them and store them under a bed or something.

 

[Zaukrie]

I have every DDM, FL, and many Dragon magazine and some adventure maps all laminated. Mostly lamination was done at a teacher supply store (thinner laminate, and cheaper). I store them all in a portfolio that I put some material in to give it stiffer sides. I used to store it under a table, but now I store it tucked tightly between a bookcase and wall, to reduce curling. If I need to transport them, I roll them up and put them in a fancy plastic tube.

These things are great inspiration and for play.

 

[catsclaw227]

At a FLGS (All-Fun-And-Games, in Cary, NC), I've seen DDM players with their maps laminated on both sides and stored into a large folio.

Great FLGS, BTW. It's the first one I've been to in a LONG LONG time that had a really cool and active gaming community.

Just move to Cary two years ago, so I am stoked to have it in the area.
</threadjack>

I was thinking of laminating mine as well, putting them in large format box or something. I have a bunch of printed Scales of War battlemaps I need store as well.

 

[Jeff Wilder]

I have a canvas-covered PVC architect's tube that I bought for carrying around my laminated maps when I was into the competitive DDM scene. It's about 10 inches in diameter, so it can hold all of my laminated maps, rolled length-wise. (It's heavy when they're all in there, but they fit.)

At home, in the game room, I have one of those collapsible mesh laundry hampers. It's about two and a half feet tall and the top is about 12 inches in diameter, so I keep those maps that will theoretically see the most use rolled up and dropped in there. I roll them length-wise, so about eight inches extends beyond the hamper, allowing someone to flip through the corners to find the right map. It takes up about one square foot of floor space.

 

[Mark]

I have every DDM, FL, and many Dragon magazine and some adventure maps all laminated. Mostly lamination was done at a teacher supply store (thinner laminate, and cheaper). I store them all in a portfolio that I put some material in to give it stiffer sides. I used to store it under a table, but now I store it tucked tightly between a bookcase and wall, to reduce curling. If I need to transport them, I roll them up and put them in a fancy plastic tube.

Indeed. After the last time I saw someone post this suggestion (it may have been you) I located a teacher supply store on the Northwest side of Chicago and took my thirty-some-odd maps there. For about a two bucks a map, they laminated them all in one long roll. Later, I cut them, carefully leaving about a quarter inch on each side. I also picked up a collapsing tube with shoulder strap, so there is no problem fitting them either way I wish to roll them.

With the particularly thin lamination used at teacher supply stores (it's really just meant to make it easier to wipe off sticky-kid fingerprints), they do not pose a real problem to flatten out for gaming. I might have the players each put their book over the corner for a bit.

I do also use other types of maps and terrain under other circumstances, but when it comes to DDM/D&D battlemaps, I think this has proven to be a very good solution.