Need to photograph large maps and drawings - Where should I start?

[kelly_flanigan1]

LEE; a blueprinter will often just use a digital scanner; or a copy camera with a scan back. The 35 Megapixel scan back I use on a 4x5 camera can be NOT ENOUGH info for a very fine large map. Here two scans are required; or even four in halves or quadrants. The direct digital capture with the scan back is alot sharper than a flatbed scan of a 4x5 trany. The epson flatbeds are good enough if the fonts are big enough. Some shops use to use' or use a Phase One Powerphase 6,000 x 8,400 pixels on a 4x5 scan back. A more modern method is just a color digital scanner that has a scan bar 36" wide; these were once about 100K; then about 50K 6 years ago; and about say 10K to 20K today. A very common problem when using a stitched small cameras images is barrel distortion. The bloody panels won't fit together. A pro camera settup will use an ultra low distortion lens; like a process camera lens; so the panels match. One can also frig the distortion in photoshop; but this drops the sharpness abit<BR><BR>Unless the font sizes; font styles are known; there is no real answer to the size camera required. In process/copy camera work; a 4x5 negative for a 30x40 was considered too small; normally shops liked a 5x7 negative. With our process camera; the smallest negative we shoot is a 9x12" size; ie one half of a standard 12x18" sheet.<BR><BR>

[kelly_flanigan1]

In the old days it was common that a customer wanted a full size negative; one such that every dot on the printing is resolved. <BR><BR>Most maps are extremely copyrighted; there are many mystery hidden goofs/features documented; to catch illegal copies. Many goverment maps are public domain. Some state highway maps are ok to copy; but they must be nothing removed or added; the entire map has to be printed; no part sections are allowed.<BR><BR>Some folks will go to great lengths wanting a copy of a their old map; that is still just old stock; still available new; or used on Ebay; or a store.

[tommyinca]

Quick correction sample above is 2x2 not 4x4.