Why can't I print my map?

Adobe Reader Is Required

We generate maps as PDF files because PDFs provide consistent, high-quality prints across a very wide range of operating systems, computers and printers.

To be able to view and print a PDF map, you must have Adobe Reader installed. See How do I print a map? for more information.

Adobe Reader Isn't Perfect

In our testing we have found that Adobe Reader has some quirks that may interfere with printing. One common scenario is that the first map will display and print fine, but successive maps will not load.

If you find that Adobe Reader stops responding, we recommend that you close all browser windows and tabs that contain Adobe Reader documents and try printing again. This restarts the Adobe Reader program, and will usually resolve the problem.

Complex Maps Take Time To Transfer

A simple topo map will usually be less than 100,000 bytes and should be fully displayed in a matter of seconds. However a map with high-resolution imagery will typically be over 10 million bytes in size. It takes our server a little more than 5 seconds to produce the finished map, but on a typical domestic 128Kb/s ADSL connection it will take around 10 minutes for the map to be transferred to your computer. Even on a relatively fast 512Kbps ADSL connection, the same map will take 2½ minutes to transfer. If you are printing imagery, be patient.


Home News Help Apply For Access Create Maps Links About Contact Us Email: Password: create account reset password	Back to help Why can't I print my map? Adobe Reader Is Required We generate maps as PDF files because PDFs provide consistent, high-quality prints across a very wide range of operating systems, computers and printers. To be able to view and print a PDF map, you must have Adobe Reader installed. See How do I print a map? for more information. Adobe Reader Isn't Perfect In our testing we have found that Adobe Reader has some quirks that may interfere with printing. One common scenario is that the first map will display and print fine, but successive maps will not load. If you find that Adobe Reader stops responding, we recommend that you close all browser windows and tabs that contain Adobe Reader documents and try printing again. This restarts the Adobe Reader program, and will usually resolve the problem. Complex Maps Take Time To Transfer A simple topo map will usually be less than 100,000 bytes and should be fully displayed in a matter of seconds. However a map with high-resolution imagery will typically be over 10 million bytes in size. It takes our server a little more than 5 seconds to produce the finished map, but on a typical domestic 128Kb/s ADSL connection it will take around 10 minutes for the map to be transferred to your computer. Even on a relatively fast 512Kbps ADSL connection, the same map will take 2½ minutes to transfer. If you are printing imagery, be patient.