Map/Cartography Questions:

Q: What is centerline data?
A: The standard for most maps entails the use of a single line to indicate the center of streets and roads. Many automobile maps are centerline based, with text written to one side or the other. They do not indicate the right of way or width of streets.

Barclay Publishing uses centerline data for large-scale maps where parcel and right-of-ways are impractical or too small to be clearly observed. This scale allows us to show complete areas for MLS zones and school district boundaries.

Q: What are MLS boundaries anyway?
A: MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service, a standard zoning system used by realtors. Independent firms in each region, such as RE InfoLink (http://www.reinfolink.org/), manage and maintain the MLS service.

Q: Where can I buy your maps?
A: Many Bay Area retailers carry our maps, including bookstores, Realtor Association stores and gas stations. If you can't find our maps at your local store, either order online by clicking any of the links on the left or contact us and we'll help you find a store nearby.

Q: When were your maps published?
A: Barclay Publishing, like most local map publishers and many larger ones, does not print updates every year. We consider the changes in a given area and the demand for new maps before we determine publishing schedules. Some areas, such as dense urban areas like San Francisco, do not necessitate updates as frequently. The published year of each of our maps is listed in Product Comparison Chart.

Q: Does anybody really need printed maps when I can just look up directions on the Internet?
A: Online map services and GPS units are handy for A to B directions. However, there will always be a place for the printed map. Infinitely portable, a map can go with you anywhere, can be seen in bright sunlight or campfire light, and never runs out of batteries.

Moreover, a printed map allows you to see a whole area in order to “get your bearings.” You can then fold a map down to “zoom into” just your region of interest.

The visual expression created by a professional cartographer, with color and texture highlights, is unmatched by the limited capabilities of electronic units. Aerial photography must be doctored to show what’s underneath the canopy of trees and other visual impediments; even then the result is cluttered, with streets and buildings hard to make out. A cartographer can sweep away all the distracting elements of a photograph and highlight what’s important in clear, simple strokes, shapes, and colors. More information is conveyed, more effectively—and easier on the eye.

Q: Some of your wall maps look the same as the folded maps. Can’t you print them differently so the cover and index don’t show and I can see both sides at once?
A: In the past we have redesigned maps to show the entire area on the front. However, the cost for such customization and larger press sizes yields a map that costs almost $200 each. By running heavier wall map stock through our regular print run, we can offer our customers a durable, attractive wall map for a retail price between $15 – $30. We are happy to make custom prints of larger maps on a contract basis.

Q: Why don’t you publish LoCaides of the East Bay areas?
A: Starting in Mountain View, Barclay established a strong tie over many years with Peninsula realtors who use our LoCaides as basic “tools of the trade.” Special features such as MLS zones and school district boundaries have been very popular there.

Many East Bay realtors list properties simply by ZIP code areas. The direct relationship with realtor associations is still at an early stage. We are currently considering LoCaides for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Your feedback will help us make decisions about these proposed projects.

Q: Why don’t you make all your own maps rather than resell maps from other publishers? Do you make a map of the United States or the world?
A: A small publisher cannot be “all things to all people.” We must select a focus if we are to maintain the quality and value we strive to put into every map project. We have chosen the Bay Area and Sacramento as our primary region, with property-oriented clients like commercial and residential realtors, developers, governments and homeowners as our principal clients. To meet their needs outside this range, we have selected excellent products from our partner publishers.

As cartographers, we also appreciate well executed maps even when they are within our area of focus. Campus maps of Stanford and Berkeley by Hedberg are prime examples. We like to acknowledge and support the good work of our fellow map makers.

Q: How accurate are the flood and hazard data in your maps?
A: We use flood data provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) indicating the highest expected levels reached by flooding within a 100 year period, or 1% chance per year (“Zone A”). All Barclay maps include the latest information from FEMA available at time of printing.

These government estimates were calculated prior to recent observations of global warming. Contact FEMA or your local community flood administrator for additional information.

Hazard data is derived from the State of California and respective counties regarding soil compression, dike failures, landslides, and earthquake fault zones. All data is current as of the date of publication (see Product Comparison Chart for publication dates). Contact responsible government agencies for any changes or updates to this information.

Website Questions:

Q: What are your shipping costs?
A: You can see an estimate of shipping costs by viewing your cart. However, final shipping costs will be displayed on the invoice before you confirm your order. Shipping a LoCaide in the Bay Area tends to cost about $5.50-$6.00 for UPS ground (usually arriving the next day), while a single map can be mailed for less than $2 via USPS. (Prices calculated in July, 2007, and are subject to change.)

Q: How can I track my shipment?
A: You can review the status of your order at any time. Go to Customer Service and enter your confirmation number.

Got a question that's not on our list?
Send us an email at info@barclaypublishing.com

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