In September 2010, Geographx was commissioned by Sydney-based publisher, Millennium House, to manage the cartography for Earth Platinum, a limited edition world atlas of unprecedented size.
Published in February 2012 (ISBN 978-1-921811-11-1),the Earth Platinum atlas is priced at USD 100,000. It stands 1800mm high, contains 128 pages and weighs 120kg. It includes world maps, orthographic continental maps, maps of the oceans and poles, and detailed regional maps. Each double spread map covers 5 square metres. The atlas also features gigapan photography, including the world’s largest image, a 272 gigapixel photograph of the Shanghai skyline.
Earth Platinum was printed on a Machine KBA 205 Rapida press by Litorama in Milan, and hand bound in Hong Kong. A large number of people were associated with the production, including more than a dozen map editors and 90 cartographers working from offices on six continents.
In addition to overseeing the cartography, Geographx was commissioned to produce the relief mapping that underlies the artwork on each cartographic plate.
The project was immensely challenging, requiring the practical resolution of numerous technical and logistical issues.
Chris Sheedy from Guinness World Records Australia/New Zealand says “We at Guinness World Records are thrilled and honored to be witnessing the production of what we’re sure will be the world’s largest atlas. It will represent the breaking of a record that has stood since circa 1660 and, in this era of digital content, will provide a unique, valuable, enduring and unforgettable perspective of the world we live in.”
Wikipedia link
Millenniumhouse Official Site
Blog post
Download Imprint page (pdf)
News item on National TV One news (video)
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