San Francisco, California 1978 Shaded Relief Map

Rated 5.0 out of 5
Based on 6 reviews
Regular price $ 79.00 USD Sale price $ 63.20 USD
24x18 Inch - 2D Flat Paper Print
Unframed
No Clouds

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Free
Free
Shipping
Archival Grade
Archival Grade
Materials
Printed in
Printed in
The USA

At Muir Way, we believe in providing the utmost quality, design, and value.

  • Lasts a lifetime
  • Unsurpassed archival materials and printing
  • Over 5000 5-star reviews
  • 30-day returns*
  • Individually printed in our San Diego workshop
Description

We created this map with the illusion of 3D by applying Digital Elevation Data and meticulously adding shaded relief to the landscape of the original 1978 San Francisco, California map. The shading is printed on the paper and not a result of the map protruding from the surface.

Clouds created for a surreal effect- available with our without

Please Note: Text on the map can be difficult to read due to the small font size and the age of the map. In areas where the relief shading covers the text, the underlying text is not legible. We suggest the largest size map for better details though the text may still be covered in the darker areas.

Shipping and Returns

FREE SHIPPING on orders to the contiguous US over $49 with UPS ground or USPS to PO Boxes.

Unframed prints - Printed to order and shipped within 2-3 business days
Framed prints - Custom framed and will ship in 3-4 weeks

Full refund on returns of unframed paper prints within 30 days of purchase. Prints must be returned in NEW condition without creases or damage. Please email us at [email protected] for instructions.

If prints are shipped back to us and are not in new condition, we offer a store credit or can return them to you. 

We do NOT ACCEPT returns or exchanges on framed prints or canvas wraps because they are made to order.

Click HERE for more information on shipping and returns.

 

Gallery Quality

Made in the USA

We consider our maps to be works of art, so we print and frame them accordingly.

Using award-winning printers with gallery quality fine art paper and inks, our maps will exceed expectations and last a lifetime.

  • Archival Paper and Inks
  • 100% Cotton, OBA-Free, and Acid-Free
  • Heavyweight 21.5 mil
  • Certified to last 100 years

Read customer reviews HERE attesting to the quality of our prints.

American Hardwood Frames

We use real Walnut for our frames, unlike the lesser quality veneer you will typically find elsewhere. With beautiful hardwood grain, each is handmade to order at a professional frame shop.

  • 7/8 inch face and 1 1/2 inch depth
  • Acrylite glazing (more clear than glass)
  • Acid-free backing paper
  • Hanging wire installed

Frequently asked questions

What is a vintage shaded relief map?
It's a single historic map with modern shaded relief added. The shading uses light and shadow, as if the sun were low in the northwest or northeast sky (it depends on the map), to make mountains, valleys and coastlines look three-dimensional. You get the color, typography and character of the original map, plus a sense of depth it never had.
How do you make vintage shaded relief maps?
We start with one original map, like the 1956 survey of Japan or the 1909 map of Alaska, and make a high-resolution scan of it. Then we georeference the digitized map, which means lining it up precisely with real-world coordinates. Finally we add hillshading made from modern digital elevation data. The relief matches the actual terrain; it isn't hand-drawn guesswork.
Is this an antique or an original historical map?
No. It's a new, original design created by Muir Way and printed to order. The vintage map is the source material, and the added relief makes it a new work, not an antique or a straight reproduction.
Why pick a vintage map over a modern map?
Old maps have character that modern maps don't: hand-lettered typography, period color palettes, and borders, place names and territories as they were at the time. Each listing tells the story of its year, like Alaska as a district before it became a territory, or Brasília's first year as the capital.
Is the relief raised or textured?
No. The shading is printed flat on the paper, so the map frames and hangs like any fine art print. The 3D effect is purely visual. Some of our vintage maps are also available as physically raised prints; see our 3D Vintage Raised Relief Maps (muir-way.com/collections/3d-vintage-raised-relief-maps). If you're looking for terrain you can actually see and feel, browse our full 3D Raised Relief collection (muir-way.com/collections/3d-raised-relief-series).

3D Vintage Raised Relief Maps · 3D Raised Relief Maps

Does darker shading mean higher elevation?
No. Shading shows the direction and steepness of slopes, not height. Dark areas are slopes facing away from the light.
Can I read the text on the map?
On many of these maps the text is hard to read. That's because of the small original font size, the age of the map, and the color and shading layered on top. Legibility varies from map to map. Maps of smaller areas, like USGS quadrangles, are usually easy to read. Maps of large areas, like the USA, North America or Europe, were originally printed very large, and at wall-art sizes most of their text is nearly impossible to read. Please look through the detail photos on each product page to judge how legible a map is before you order.
What is the cloud option?
Some maps come with an optional cloud overlay for a more atmospheric, bird's-eye look. The map is the same either way, so it's purely a style choice.
Who created this style of map?
Muir Way popularized the category: historic maps with modern shaded relief, made as wall art.
What sizes are available?
Sizes vary by map because each one keeps the proportions of the original. Most start around 16x24" or 18x24", and many go up to 30x40". Some are available in extra-large sizes such as 40x53" or 42x42". Every size can be ordered framed.
What paper do you print on?
Heavyweight archival fine art paper of the highest quality.
What frame options do you offer?
Choose black, walnut, or unframed. Both frames are made from real walnut wood; the black frame is stained black. Each frame has a 7/8" wide face and is about 1-1/2" deep, with acrylic glazing to protect the print. The back is finished with paper and has a screwed-in hanging wire, so it's ready to hang.
Where are your maps made?
Every map is made in the USA. Depending on your order, it's printed and shipped from our own shop in San Diego, California, or from our framing partner in Wisconsin. Unlike most wall decor companies, we don't outsource our paper prints to large print-on-demand dropshipping centers.
What places do you offer vintage shaded relief maps of?
National parks, U.S. states, cities, mountain ranges and international regions, including Alaska, Acadia, the Western Alps, Mont Blanc, Japan, Brazil, Australia and Baja.
Is a vintage shaded relief map a good gift?
Yes, especially for someone with a connection to a place: where they grew up, traveled or hiked. The historic date adds a story to the gift.
How long does it take for my order to ship?
Unframed paper prints usually ship within 1–2 days and arrive 2–5 days after they leave our shop. Framed prints are made to order and typically arrive in 3–4 weeks.
What's your return policy?
You can return unframed prints in new condition within 30 days. Please email us first so we can give you return instructions. Framed prints are custom-made to order, so we can't accept returns on them.

Printed flat, shadows so real you'll want to touch them

Shaded relief built by georeferencing hundreds of points against modern USGS elevation data

Historic maps with terrain accurately depicted with USGS data. Every peak and valley beautifully rendered.

A digital light source casts the shadows, a 3D look on flat paper

The terrain appears to have real depth even though the paper is flat.

Prints completely flat, so it works with traditional framing.

More size options with better details on archival paper.

Key features
Rating of 1 means .
Rating of 4 means .
The rating of this product for "" is 1.

Archival Inks

Each map is produced on our 12-color gicleé printers using premium inks to ensure an intricately detailed, fade-free piece with amazing colors.

Key features
Rating of 1 means .
Rating of 4 means .
The rating of this product for "" is 2.

Fine Art Paper

Museum-quality, 100% cotton, acid-free archival paper that’s rated to last 100+ years.

Key features
Rating of 1 means .
Rating of 4 means .
The rating of this product for "" is 3.

Authentic Hardwood Frames

No pressed wood, no veneer. Every custom frame is handmade from real Walnut.

Key features
Rating of 1 means .
Rating of 5 means .
The rating of this product for "" is 3.

Made in the usa

We individually print each order in our San Diego workshop. Even our paper is sourced from domestic manufacturers.

Key features
Rating of 1 means .
Rating of 4 means .
The rating of this product for "" is 1.

Archival Inks

Each map is produced on our 12-color gicleé printers using premium inks to ensure an intricately detailed, fade-free piece with amazing colors.

Rating of 1 means .
Rating of 4 means .
The rating of this product for "" is 2.

Fine Art Paper

Museum-quality, 100% cotton, acid-free archival paper that’s rated to last 100+ years.

Rating of 1 means .
Rating of 4 means .
The rating of this product for "" is 3.

Authentic Hardwood Frames

No pressed wood, no veneer. Every custom frame is handmade from real Walnut.

Rating of 1 means .
Rating of 5 means .
The rating of this product for "" is 3.

Made in the usa

We individually print each order in our San Diego workshop. Even our paper is sourced from domestic manufacturers.

average rating 5.0 out of 5
Based on 6 reviews
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100% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Map Quality & Detail
Rated 5 out of 5
Shipping & Customer Service
Rated 5 out of 5
6 Reviews
Reviewed by Steven C.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age Range
45 - 54
I bought this
For myself
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Awesome maps

I ordered one map and I like it so much, I ordered a second! Great quality and finish…and excellent service.

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Reviewed by jeff s.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age Range
55 - 64
I bought this
As a gift
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Gift well appreciated

My brother who lives in the bay area just loves it

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Reviewed by Paul S.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age Range
18 - 24
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Groovy Map

Sent as a gift, mother of gift receiver told me it is fabulous

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Reviewed by William M.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age Range
45 - 54
I bought this
For myself
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

You Won’t Be Disappointed

Excellent quality. Love seeing it every time I come into my office. Only regret is not buying a bigger one. The detail is fantastic.

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Reviewed by John C.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age Range
65+
I bought this
For myself
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Awesome map!

Love it..

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