Tear-Off Map Pads are Practical, Inexpensive, and Convenient

estimated reading time: 6 minutes

What is a Tear Off Map Pad?

A Tear Off Map Pad is a stack of handy-sized maps joined together with a thin strip of flexible adhesive applied along one edge. Similar to a memo pad, the adhesive joins the stack of printed sheets together as a unit while allowing the topmost map sheet to be easily separated from the stack when needed.

Used in various settings, the tear off pad format provides a simple way for single-use maps to be easily distributed to customers, tourists, event goers, or anyone else that just needs directions or a basic understanding of the local geography. Tear off maps are especially helpful for areas that have proven to be complicated or confusing to those unfamiliar.

Though tear off maps can be created in custom sizes, they are most commonly made with standard paper sizes, such as 8.5" x 11", 8.5" x 14", or 11" x 17". Also, most tear off maps are designed with a landscape orientation but a portrait orientation can be used as well. In addition, each map sheet can be printed on one side only or on both sides.

Regarding the number of sheets in each pad, it is a matter of personal preference but 25, 50, and 100 sheets are the most popular sheet counts. To give the pad some rigidity, a piece of heavy chipboard is usually attached underneath the stack of sheets. Also, the "tear away" adhesive can be applied to any edge of the pad but the most common placement is along the top edge.

In addition, most tear off maps are printed in color to enhance their effectiveness and visual appeal. That said, grayscale or black-and-white printing is sometimes used as an economical alternative.

Unlike large traditional maps that can overwhelm people with details, tear off maps are designed to help people quickly and easily navigate a specific area. Therefore, the layout of the map is usually kept simple and straightforward.

Since the majority of tear off maps will only be used for a very short time, they are considered to be disposable. As such, tear off maps are rarely printed on a premium weight of paper. Stocks with a light to moderate thickness will generally be sufficient. Also, uncoated stocks are recommended for tear off pads because the binding glue adheres better to an uncoated stock than one with a slick coating.

What are the Benefits of Tear Off Maps?

Tear Off Maps are Practical

Tear off maps are very easy to distribute. Whether a staff member tears off a map and hands it out, or the pad is left on a table or counter for self-serve, the pad format keep all the maps in one place. Conversely, if individual map sheets were left loose in a stack they could easily slide around, potentially cluttering the area.

In addition to providing a useful map, every sheet within the pad can be used as a marketing tool by including corporate branding, logos, QR codes, advertising offers, or other promotional information.

Even in our world of GPS and online map applications, sometimes simpler is better. A printed map doesn't rely on a power source or cell phone signal. Printed maps are 100% dependable. Plus, a paper map can be custom designed to highlight specific features and places of interest.

Tear Off Maps are Inexpensive

Because most tear off maps are intended to be used for only a short time and then discarded, there is rarely a need for specialty papers or fancy finishing operations. Hence, the sheets of most map pads are printed on common paper types, which are readily available and very cost effective.

Also, a "tear away" adhesive is one of the simplest and lowest cost ways to bind a set of documents.

In addition to having multiple pages, most map pad projects are produced in bulk to ensure an ample supply is always available. Ordering in quantity helps lower the unit cost.

Tear Off Pads are Convenient

Tear off map pads offer quick and easy access to physical maps because they can be placed virtually anywhere - at a front desk, on a counter, in a kiosk, within a reception area…virtually anywhere people might go for help to navigate their surroundings.

Also, since padded maps are adhered together in a compact format, the bound stack is a lot easier to store and move around than a pile of loose maps.

Another convenience is that the maps don't need to be returned by the user - they can simply be torn from the pad and taken on the go.

In addition, the individual map sheets are lightweight and of a manageable size. This makes them very easy to carry. They can also be folded easily by the user to fit into a pocket, purse, or backpack. Being paper, the maps can also be written on to mark specific locations or jot down notes.

Who uses Tear Off Maps?

Because tear off maps are extremely versatile, they are used in multiple industries. Below are some of the more common applications for tear off maps…

Hotels and Resorts - a tear off map is often provided to guests at check-in to help them navigate the property and locate the various amenities. These guest maps can also display local shopping districts, restaurants, historic sites, and other nearby places of interest.

Welcome Centers and Visitor Information Desks - tear off maps are often made available to vacationers and travelers to help orient them to a city or region. These maps help promote various destinations and sight-seeing spots while displaying route suggestions for navigating the area.

Convention Centers and Trade Shows - a tear off map can assist attendees by showing the overall floorplan of the venue, as well as the location of specific exhibitors, meeting rooms, concession stands, parking areas, and so on.

Tourist Attractions - tear off maps offer visitors a simple way to find their way around zoos, botanical gardens, museums, theme parks, and other attractions. Providing a clear overview allows visitors to navigate the grounds effectively, thus enhancing their overall enjoyment of the visit.

Campgrounds and RV Parks - tear off maps come in handy for showing the layout of the campsites and parking locations as well as restrooms, showers, electrical hookups, picnic areas, playgrounds, and other amenities.

Educational Institutions - trying to navigate a sprawling university or college campus can be rather intimidating for new students and first time visitors. Having tear-off maps readily available provides a sensible solution to help people quickly acclimate to their surroundings.

Community Events - any organized event where people need to move about will benefit from distributing single-use maps to attendees and participants so they can visualize the layout or route of the event. This includes fairs, festivals, parades, walking tours, fun runs, marathons, and bike races.

Outdoor and Recreational Activities - whether created for a national park or a local conservation area, tear off maps are perfect for illustrating walking, hiking, biking, and horse riding trails, as well as streams and lakes for fishing and canoeing.

Planning and Development Agencies - many cities and counties hold public forums to announce upcoming construction projects, road closures, zoning changes, and other regional plans. Using tear-off maps allows planners to quickly distribute a visual representation of the proposed project at town hall meetings and community gatherings, thus keeping local residents better informed.

Color Vision is ready to help with your next custom printing project!

Color Vision has been in the commercial printing business for over four decades. We've built a strong reputation in the industry by offering quality printing at affordable prices. We're also known for our friendly and helpful service.

Since we have both digital and offset capabilities, we can assist with just about any print project you may have. So whether you have a need for tear-off map pads or any other type of custom printing, be sure to get in touch.

Just give us a call at 800-543-6299. Or, use our simple Quote Request form to send us your specifications and we will be happy to email a quote to you.

As always, we look forward to hearing from you and hope to assist with your next print project!