NEWSLETTER NO. 3 OF 2008

AXIS OF EVIL MAPPING NEWSLETTER # 3 early April, 2008

The Axis of Evil Mapping Newsletter is released irregularly. Any opinions expressed are strictly those of myself and are not intended to provoke anything more than the intellect.

INTRODUCTION

            Lan and I enjoyed meeting with everyone who attended the IMTA trade show and conference in Estoril, Portugal in February. We combined the trip with a visit to the Azores Islands in the mid-Atlantic, to prepare for a future ITM map of the region. Now we’re off to Britain for the London Book Fair (hope to see you there) and a week-long research trip to Tunisia to update our information on that country.

IMTA GLOBAL CONFERENCE: UPDATE #1

Alaska Cruise – Great news! There is an excellent 7-day cruise before the conference time that returns to Vancouver on Sunday, September 14^th. Room rates start at $680.00us, and there has been so much interest in this cruise that we’re reserving a block of 25 rooms. Order quickly; we can only hold them for one month. There is also a cruise immediately after the conference.

Golf Tournament – two courses in Richmond are being evaluated. Cook, Hammond, and Kell is sponsoring.

Wine tasting evening is tentatively set for the evening of Saturday, September 12^th at ITMB’s new head office.

Educational seminars and workshops are well underway, thanks to Shane’s tireless work.

11 trade show stands have already been sold, the last time I talked with Sandy.

Several hotel reservations have already been made. $189.00us may seem a tad high, but in Vancouver, in a 5***** hotel in the city centre a year before the Olympics, this is a steal. Even I’m considering booking a room, because I’ll never get this price again! Book soon; space is limited.

Grouse Grind Mountain Climb is set for Sunday, September 14^th, afternoon, sponsored by Mussio Ventures.

Geocaching event is tentatively scheduled for the morning of Sunday, September 14^th, thanks to National Geographic Society’s sponsorship.

The ESRI and Avenza workshops are filling up fast. We have booked three spots for our staff. This is a REAL bargain for training staff affordably and one of the benefits of being an IMTA member.

The conference banquet, included in the registration fee for exhibitors, is scheduled for Monday evening, September 15^th. It is worth being an exhibitor, just for the add-ons. The stand is only a couple of hundred bucks!

ITMB NEW TITLES RELEASED RECENTLY: End of February to April 10th, 2008

Andes Travel Reference Map 1^st Ed. 2008 1:4,000,000 ISBN 9781553410669 UPC 815534106612 $12.95cdn/us, E8.95 6.99GBP The South American version of the Rocky Mountains has different regional names but the western mountain chain is known world-wide as The Andes. Stretching from the Panama isthmus to Patagonia, this magnificent chain contains such wonders as Machu Picchu and the great glaciers of southern Chile. This map includes inset maps of La Paz, Lima, and Quito; printed double-sided on ITM waterproof paper; AVAILABLE AFTER APRIL 15^TH.

Brasil Travel Reference Map 4^th Ed. 2008, hard covered edition 1:2,220,000/1:4,500,000 ISBN 9781553411468 UPC 815534114686 $12.95cdn/us E8.95 6.99GBP – This is the same map as on our already-released paper map of Brasil, but with a hard card-cover included for marketing purposes, especially in Europe. The fold of this version is wider than normal for ITMB, in that it conforms more to European widths than North American. The map is 5” wide instead of 4” as on other itmb maps. Still, it is a great title, and retailers love the durability of the hard cover; printed double-sided on paper, with cover AVAILABLE.

France Travel Reference Map 2^nd Ed. 2008 1:1,000,000 ISBN 9781553412144 UPC 815534121417 $12.95cdn/us, E8.95, 6.99GBP, waterproof – France is such a well-known travel destination that it needs no description. However, this map does. It is completely new cartography, courtesy of one of Europe’s leading production houses, and is more detailed than our previous version. The map is printed on ITM waterproof plastic paper, which is not only durable, but brings out the colours and really helps make the map easy to read. Urban information is very clear, road designations are excellent, touristic information is good; everything’s fine! Printed double-sided, we’re really pleased; AVAILABLE.

Hue and Central Vietnam Travel Reference Map 1^st Ed. 2008 1:330,000 ISBN 9781553415978 $12.95cdn/us, E8.95, 6.99GBP – This is the latest in our ITM series on South East Asia travel destinations. Vietnam, as a country, rather nicely divides into three sections that roughly correspond with the former French colonial divisions of the coastline. Hue was the royal capital and, while better known for the horrific battle that took place there during the 1968 Tet Offensive, is a cultural heritage site par excellence. The royal tombs along the Perfume River are marvelous to see. The map covers from Vinh in the north to Quang Tri in the south and has detailed city maps of Da Nang, historic Hoi An, and Hue, as well as an expanded map showing the royal tombs; printed double-sided on paper. AVAILABLE.

India South and North East Travel Reference Map 1^st Ed. 2008 1:2,300,000 ISBN 9781553410690 $12.95cdn/us, E8.95, 6.99GBP – This is the first of two sectional maps covering India at an enhanced scale (the other sheet will be released in May). India is a large country and is increasingly popular with visitors, having a vast array of historic sites, temples, and scenery worth exploring. While our ITM map of India as a country is good value, we felt that the country deserved a more detailed approach as well. This is completely new artwork, not a photo expansion, and provides additional information and better road/rail information than would be possible on a country map; printed double-sided on paper; AVAILABLE.

Iran Travel Reference Map 4^th Ed. 2008 1:1,800,000 ISBN 9781553412502 UPC 815534125088 $12.95cdn/us E8.95 6.99GBP – In spite of being a controversial political entity, Iran is a fabulous touristic attraction. The fabled Blue Mosque of Mashhad graces our cover, unchanged in a changing world and a symbol of the reality that is today’s Iran. This version has been further updated by showing the new stretches of the motorway system and improving the readability of the map by softening our colours; printed double-sided on paper, AVAILABLE.

Kolkata/Calcutta & North East India Travel Reference Map 1^st Ed. 2008 1:10,000/1:2,300,000 ISBN 9781553416111 $12.95cdn/us, E8.95, 6.99GBP – This is the first map published of Calcutta, the historic city at the mouth of the famous Hooghly River. I spent a week in Calcutta many moons ago and retain vivid memories of the city that is the essence of the passion that drives India. Now re-named Kolkata, this detailed city map shows the Howrah railway station, the exotic Burra Bazaar, Fort William, the Queen Victoria Gardens, the zoo, the Chowringhee and Esplanade hotel and entertainment sections, and the Sudder Street backpacker area of cheap hotels. The other side of the map shows the entire northeastern segment of the country from Varanasi (Benares) and Raipur in the west to the temple city of Bhubaneshwar in the south and the Nepalese/Chinese/Burmese borders in the north and east; truly a marvelous map of a part of the world that has not received much coverage up to now; printed double-sided on paper; AVAILABLE.

92H2/H3 Manning Park/Skagit Region (BC) 1st Ed. 2008 1:50,000 ISBN 9781553418870 UPC 815534188755 $14.95cdn/us E8.95 6.99GBP waterproof – Manning Park is the heartland of Vancouver’s wilderness heritage. A huge tract of land east of the Fraser Valley has been preserved for future generations thanks to the foresight of our grandparents. Manning is hiking and canoeing in the summer and skiing, snowmobiling and snow camping in the winter. I remember camping with my son and a cub scout group in three metres/10 feet of pristine snow! This is the latest of ITMB’s growing series of governmental topographic maps with recreational information added (hiking trails, wilderness campsites, fishing areas, ski resorts, golf courses, snowmobile routes, picnic areas, and boat launching sites; printed double-sided on ITM plastic paper for durability; AVAILABLE APRIL 15TH.

Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego Travel Reference Map 2^nd Ed. 2008 1:2,000,000/750,000 ISBN 9781553410683 UPC 815534106889 $12.95cdn/us E8.95 6.99GBP The southern third of South America, known as Patagonia, is exotic, diverse, and captures one’s imagination. We have greatly improved our second edition by combining it with our famous Tierra del Fuego map on the other side to provide value to the purchaser while improving marketability for the seller; printed on paper, double-sided AVAILABLE. I love the cover pic! Talk about your hen-pecked husband!!

Somalia/Djibouti Travel Reference Map 2^nd Ed. 2008 1:1,700,000 ISBN 9781553414056 UPC 815534140555 $12.95cdn/us E8.95 6.99GBP – The Horn of Africa has long been in turmoil, but it is a fascinating place, regardless. This new edition is as up-to-date as our researchers can make it, given that the country hasn’t had an official government for about fifteen years. The map also provides reasonable coverage for tiny Djibouti, which effectively land-locks Ethiopia. The eastern portion of the Horn, formerly known as British Somaliland, calls itself Somaliland and has effectively governed itself in a sensible fashion for the past decade – but no country recognizes its existence; printed on paper, double-sided; AVAILABLE.

South America Travel Reference Map 5^th Ed. 2008 1:4,000,000 ISBN 9781553410089 $13.95cdn/us, E9.95, 7.50GBP – At last!!! Our long-awaited new edition of this very important title has arrived in our warehouse. I’ve never seen a map experience the difficulties at press of this title, which was sent to the printers last September. I hope that it was worth the wait! The colours are softer than on previous editions, but the roads stand out better. Provinces are better delineated, and of course all information available to us has been updated. This is the most important map published by ITMB and the most detailed map of the continent available in print. We have also prepared three wall maps of this title, which are listed below; AVAILABLE.

South America Wall Map 1^st Ed. 2008 1:5,000,000, rolled into a plastic tube

1.       Paper version ISBN 9781553410096 $29.95cdn/us E17.95 14.99GBP

2.       Laminated version ISBN 9781553410119 $39.95cdn/us E26.95 24.99GBP

3.       Laminated paper with metal holding strips ISBN 9781553410133 $49.95cdn/us E34.95 32.99GBP

We have re-formatted the folded paper map of South America into a wall map format, single-sided printing, at the best scale that could be achieved. This is a spectacular map and a HUGE wall map; I just wish Kevin was still here to see it. Lan has really outdone herself and created a brilliant cartographic work of art. The laminated version is absolutely breath-taking, with the colours leaping off the page. In my opinion, the best version to buy would be the laminated with top and bottom metal hanging strips and a hook, but the easiest to sell will obviously be the less expensive paper version. All are AVAILABLE.

Taiwan and Taipei Travel Reference Map 2^nd Ed. 2008 ISBN 9781553417224 UPC 815534172242 $12.95cdn/us E8.95 6.99GBP – This newly-updated map combines our lovely Taiwan map with re-formatted colours and updated place names with our map of Taipei on the other side of the paper. This is a steady selling map of a part of the world growing in popularity as it becomes evident that China’s bluster about invading is just so much wind. The island will hold its own until China emerges from its ideological wasteland; printed on paper, double-sided, AVAILABLE.

TITLES RELEASED LAST MONTH (FEBRUARY)

Auckland and North Island, NZ, Travel Reference Map 1^st Ed. 2008 1:12,000/1:950,000 ISBN 9781553417217 $12.95 cdn/us, E8.95/6.99GBP AVAILABLE.

Iraq Travel Reference Map 3rd Ed. 2008 1:1,200,000 ISBN 9781553412540 $12.95cdn/us, E8.95/6.99GBP AVAILABLE.

Vienna ITM City Map 1^st Ed. 2008 1:10,500 ISBN 9781553417170 $10.95cdn/us E7.95/5.99GBP; AVAILABLE.

83DWells Gray Region/83D4Myrtle Lake 1^st Ed. 2008 1:250,000/1:50,000 ISBN 9781553418856 $14.95cdn/us, E9.95/7.99GBP AVAILABLE.

Whistler/sea to Sky Highway Travel Reference Map 1^st Ed. 2008 1:50,000/1:250,000 ISBN 9781553418924 $8.95cdn/us E7.95 5.99GBP AVAILABLE.

ROAD RAGE, CANADIAN STYLE

            Only in Canada, eh? Having now been blamed for almost de-railing Obama’s rush for the White House, Canadians can now focus on matters of greater significance, like who’s going to win the Stanley Cup for ice hockey excellence. Actually, most of the country is suffering through the coldest, snowiest winter on record. Quebec City just had six FEET of snow dumped on it, with drifts reaching to the second story of houses. One man snapped when a snow plow operator cleaning his street pushed a small mountain of snow into his newly shoveled driveway. He rushed into his house, loaded a double-barreled shotgun, and threatened the plow’s driver with a blast if she didn’t move the snow elsewhere instantly. Needless to say, neighbours rushed in to defuse the situation, but he still has had all of his fourteen guns in his collection seized, and has to appear in court.

ITMB TITLES: BETWEEN EDITIONS AND WORK IN PROGRESS

Brisbane is under development and expected in May.

Cairo is out of print. A new version is being prepared for release in June, combined with the Nile delta.

China East Half is close to completion; no ETA as yet.

China North East and Beijing is being prepared and should be available in May.

India North and Northwest is approaching completion, but no ETA is available yet.

Jordan is out of print. A new edition is being prepared, for release in May.

Southern Africa is out of copies. A new edition is in preparation.

Sri Lanka is out of print. A new edition is being prepared; no ETA is available at this moment.

FORTHCOMING ITMB EVENTS

London Book Fair, Earl’s Court, - April 14-16 – we have our stand booked already in the small press area (full stands are too expensive for us!). This will be a bigger and better organized show than last year, and we’re already looking forward to it. We will be at Stand 906. Apparently, Lan has also us booked into arriving in London via Tunisia and Yorkshire. I don’t even ask why she does these things anymore; I just go along for the ride.

IMTA Americas Region Board Meeting – May 28-29, Irvine, CA.

BookExpo USA, Los Angeles May 30-June 1 – We will be at Stand 2755 with a big display of new titles issued since Frankfurt. As we’ll be driving to LA from Vancouver, we’ll be able to carry a wider selection of maps to show trade show attendees. Hope to see you there!

Tokyo International Book Fair July 10-13 – Yes, we’ll be in Japan for a week, researching proposed sectional maps of that country and IMTA has a stand at the TBF, so we’ll be there as well. Details follow.

IMTA World Mapping Conference “Mapping the Future” – Vancouver, Canada at the famous Hotel Vancouver in downtown Vancouver September 14-16, 2008, with Alaska cruises and RV rentals a possibility. This convention promises to be one of the most important, largest, and most exciting gatherings of the mapping industry in years! It’s SO big, even Nicolson Maps of Scotland plan on attending, and they NEVER spend a dime! Even Guenther Nelles might break down and attend, if he can persuade his boss (wife) to come along. You should come too. Nine exhibitors have signed up already, which is extraordinary. I’ll have lots more info in future newsletters.