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How to Make Reproductions of Old Maps

Old maps have a beauty and charm all their own and are a great option to hang on the wall as art. They offer a unique look without being overdone. However, it is often difficult to find old maps intact or maps that aren't cost prohibitive. But that doesn't mean maps can't be a part of a decorative motif. With a bit of modern technology, old maps can be reproduced and printed out on fancy paper and framed.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Flatbed scanner
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Old maps
  • Fancy papers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate old maps that you'd like to reproduce. These can be found in large books of maps in the library. An old map that is a bit beat up will work as well, because you can opt to scan only a portion of it instead of the whole thing.

    • 2

      Create a file folder on your computer where you'll save the finished files.

    • 3

      Prepare to adjust the scanner settings in your Photoshop program. To do this, go to "File" and then "Import."

    • 4

      Change the scan settings on your scanner. Where you do this will depend on the kind of scanner you have, but there should be some tab that will allow you to change the dots per inch (dpi). Normally, the factory default is 150 dpi. You want to change it to 600 dpi.

    • 5

      Scan the map. It should end up in the Photoshop work space since you've used Photoshop to scan it.

    • 6

      Go to the floating palette that has the RGB (red, green, blue) channel option. You'll be given the option of a master layer, which contains all three in one or the option for each individual layer.

    • 7

      Click on the "Green" layer on the channel. Go to the "Filter" tab.

    • 8

      Select Gaussian blur. Set the blur setting to a little under point one (.1). Click on it so that the image blurs slightly.

    • 9

      Go back to the main RGB layer. Click on the "Filter" tab again. Select the "Sharpen" option and go to "Unsharp Mask."

    • 10

      Adjust the setting on the mask about .1. However, there is a box that shows what the adjustment will look like. If .1 is too much or not enough, adjust it accordingly.

    • 11

      Do a test print to see if the map looks clear. If it does, go to "Image" and then to "Mode." Choose CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). Make a print of it on a fancy paper and frame it.

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