In short
A custom city map poster is a faithful representation of a city's street network, generated from OpenStreetMap data and transformed into a piece of wall art. At OwnHomeMap, you can create your poster in less than 5 minutes, choose from 17 visual styles, 6 formats (from A4 to 70x100 cm), and receive either a high-resolution digital file within seconds, or a printed poster in 5 to 10 business days. Prices start at 19 EUR for the digital version and 29 EUR for the printed format. This FAQ gathers the 30 most frequent questions from our customers and provides precise, factual and up-to-date answers for 2026.
Whether you're preparing a wedding gift, a travel souvenir or personal decor, this page answers everything you need to know before ordering a custom city map poster.
Table of contents
- How it works
- Pricing and formats
- Customization
- Shipping and delivery
- Quality and durability
- Occasions and uses
Section 1 — How it works
What is a custom city map poster?
A custom city map poster is a precise graphic representation of a city's street network, centered on a location of your choice. Unlike a traditional tourist map, every street, waterway and green space is positioned to exact scale. You then add a title (the name of the city, a couple, a date), a subtitle, and GPS coordinates. The result is a unique piece of wall art that captures a place that matters: the city of your wedding, a birthplace, a first meeting or a memorable trip. To learn more, see our complete guide to the custom city map poster.
How is the map created?
The map is generated in 5 automated steps that take less than 10 seconds. First, a geocoding service converts the city name into GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude). Then our engine fetches cartographic data in real time within a parameterized radius (1 to 10 km). The data is then projected onto a metric plane to ensure correct distances. Each layer (water, parks, roads) is drawn according to a precise stacking order, then the custom typography is added. Finally, the file is exported at 300 DPI, ready for printing or download.
Where does the map data come from?
All our maps are generated from OpenStreetMap (OSM), the largest collaborative cartographic database in the world, with more than 10 million contributors. OSM provides verified data on road networks (with hierarchy: highway, primary, secondary, residential), waterways (rivers, lakes, canals) and green spaces (parks, forests, meadows). Unlike Google Maps, OpenStreetMap is free to use, allowing us to offer posters without license restrictions. The data is updated daily by the OSM community worldwide.
How accurate are the maps?
The map accuracy is sub-meter in dense urban areas of developed countries. This means every street, intersection and building is positioned with an average error of less than 1 meter. In cities like Paris, London, New York or Tokyo, coverage is over 99% complete. In rural areas or less-covered countries, accuracy remains excellent but some small streets may be missing. Our engine uses a metric cartographic projection system (UTM or local equivalent) that preserves distances at the poster scale, ensuring that 1 cm on the map represents a constant distance.
Can I create a map of any city in the world?
Yes, every city in the world covered by OpenStreetMap is available, which represents more than 4 million localities. You can create the poster of Paris, Tokyo, Reykjavik, Buenos Aires or even a small village of 200 residents. You can also center the map on a specific spot that isn't a city: a neighborhood, a beach, a mountain summit, an exact address. The only requirement is that the area is covered by OSM, which is the case for more than 99% of inhabited territories. If your location is poorly covered, our customer support can propose an alternative.
Section 2 — Pricing and formats
How much does a custom city map poster cost?
The price depends on the chosen format. The digital version (high-resolution PNG) costs 19 EUR and is downloadable immediately after payment. Printed versions start at 29 EUR for A4 format (21x29.7 cm) and go up to 69 EUR for 70x100 cm. These prices include full customization (colors, text, style) at no extra cost. Adding a wooden frame costs between 29 EUR and 59 EUR depending on size. We regularly offer 10 to 20% discounts via newsletter and bundle deals starting with the second poster. For a detailed comparison, read how much does a city map poster cost.
What's the difference between the digital and printed versions?
The digital version is a 300 DPI PNG file (approximately 3500x5000 pixels for A3) that you receive by email within 30 seconds of payment. You can print it yourself, share it, or modify it. Price: 19 EUR. The printed version is produced by our partner printer on premium 200 gsm matte paper, shipped in a rigid tube in 5 to 10 business days. Price: 29 EUR to 69 EUR depending on format. The digital version suits DIYers and fast international delivery, while the printed version guarantees professional quality without effort.
What sizes are available?
We offer 6 standard formats: A4 (21x29.7 cm), A3 (29.7x42 cm), 30x40 cm, 50x70 cm, 60x90 cm and 70x100 cm. A4 and A3 formats are suitable for an office or small entryway. The 30x40 cm and 50x70 cm formats are the most popular for a living room or bedroom. The 60x90 cm and 70x100 cm create a statement effect above a couch or bed. All formats maintain the same cartographic precision and the same 300 DPI resolution. To choose the right size for your wall, see our poster size guide.
Can I add a frame? How much does it cost?
Yes, we offer wooden frames in natural, black or white compatible with all our formats. The frame price varies by size: 29 EUR for A4, 39 EUR for A3, 45 EUR for 30x40, 55 EUR for 50x70 and 59 EUR for 60x90 and 70x100 formats. Frames are shipped pre-assembled with the poster inserted, acrylic glass included, and ready to hang. The hanging system on the back supports both portrait and landscape orientations. If you prefer your own frame, the standalone poster respects the standards of Ikea, Target, and most off-the-shelf frames.
Are there discounts for multiple posters?
Yes, we apply an automatic progressive discount starting with the second poster in the same cart: -10% on 2 posters, -15% on 3 posters, and -20% starting from 4 posters. This discount applies to both digital and printed versions and stacks across different sizes. It's a popular option for creating a gallery wall (3 to 6 city posters connected to your story) or for coordinating multiple gifts. We also offer a welcome promo code of 10 EUR for newsletter signup, and seasonal offers (Black Friday, Mother's Day, Christmas).
Section 3 — Customization
What visual styles are available?
We offer 17 visual styles covering every decor mood. Among the most popular: terracotta (warm orange tones), midnight blue (deep minimalist blue), blueprint (technical architect-plan blue), japanese ink (black and white inspired by wood-block prints), noir (sober monochrome), pastel dream (soft tones), neon cyberpunk (electric contrasts), forest (natural greens), sunset (sunset gradient) and copper patina (oxidized copper). Each style modifies the colors of the background, roads, water and parks in a coherent way. For a complete overview, see our guide to the 17 city map poster styles.
Can I modify the colors?
Yes, each style serves as a starting point but you can freely customize every element. The advanced editor lets you change: the background color, the color of each road type (highway, primary, secondary, residential), the color of the water, parks, and text. You have access to a full hex color picker as well as suggested palettes. The preview is real-time: you see the result in less than a second after each change. If you prefer simplicity, the 17 preset styles produce a professional result without any manual adjustments.
What poster shapes are available (circle, heart, rectangle)?
We offer 4 mask shapes: rectangle (the standard, most popular format), circle (map cut into a perfect disc), heart (very popular for wedding and Valentine's Day gifts) and hexagon (modern graphic style). The round and heart masks work particularly well on square or A4 formats. The rectangle remains the default choice and suits all sizes. You can combine any shape with any of the 17 visual styles, giving more than 60 possible combinations. The shape can be changed with a single click in the editor.
Can I add custom text? How many characters?
Yes, each poster supports up to 4 custom text zones: the main title (city name, up to 30 characters), a subtitle (couple's name, date, event, up to 50 characters), a quote or short message (up to 80 characters) and the GPS coordinates displayed automatically (editable manually). You choose from more than 20 Google Fonts (serif, sans-serif, handwritten) and adjust the size, spacing and color. To figure out what to write, see our guide on what info to put on a city map poster.
Can I hide waterways or parks?
Yes, each cartographic layer is independently toggleable. In the advanced editor, you can enable or disable: waterways (rivers, lakes, ocean), green spaces (parks, forests, meadows), buildings (silhouettes) and the different road levels (highways, primary, secondary, residential). This lets you create ultra-minimalist renders showing only the main streets, or conversely ultra-detailed renders including pedestrian paths. Coastal cities or cities crossed by a river often gain readability when some secondary layers are hidden. The preview updates instantly after each change.
Section 4 — Shipping and delivery
What's the delivery time for the digital version?
The digital version is delivered within 30 seconds max after payment validation. You receive an automatic email containing a secure download link to your 300 DPI PNG file. The link remains active for 90 days and you can download the file as many times as needed. The file is also available in your personal customer area after logging in. If you don't receive the email within 5 minutes, check your spam folder or contact our support, which responds within 24 hours. It's the ideal solution for a last-minute gift or for printing yourself at your preferred format.
What's the delivery time for a printed poster?
The total delivery time for a printed poster is 5 to 10 business days in France and 7 to 14 business days in the rest of Europe. This includes: 1 to 2 business days of production (printing, quality control, packaging) and 3 to 8 business days of delivery depending on the carrier. We work with UPS, DHL Express, and local postal services for fast delivery. During high-traffic periods (Christmas, Mother's Day), delivery times may extend by 2 to 3 days. We always display an estimated delivery date before final payment.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship to more than 40 countries across Europe, North America, Oceania and parts of Asia. Shipping rates vary by destination: free in France above 50 EUR, 6.90 EUR to Europe, 14.90 EUR to the US, Canada and Australia, and 19.90 EUR for other destinations. International delivery times are typically 7 to 14 business days. For customers outside our delivery zone, the 19 EUR digital version remains accessible worldwide and allows local printing with a professional of your choice.
How is the printed poster packaged?
Each printed poster is shipped in a rigid cardboard tube (6 to 8 cm diameter) sealed with reinforced plastic caps. The poster is first protected by a non-stick transparent film that prevents friction during transit. Framed posters are shipped in a rigid flat cardboard box with foam corner protection and bubble wrap around the frame. This professional packaging ensures optimal protection against creasing, moisture and impact. We use recyclable materials (FSC-certified cardboard) and no unnecessary single-use plastic.
Is the paper museum-quality?
Yes, we use a 200 gsm matte archival-quality paper, certified acid-free and UV-resistant. This weight and finish are standard in art galleries and museums for artwork reproduction. The matte surface eliminates light reflections and preserves the readability of the fine road network. The ink used is a pigmented ink, Epson UltraChrome or equivalent, recognized for its longevity (over 100 years of preservation under normal conditions, per Wilhelm Research tests). Color rendering is faithful to the on-screen preview thanks to a calibrated color profile.
Section 5 — Quality and durability
What's the resolution of the digital file?
The digital file is always provided at 300 DPI, which is the professional printing standard. For A3 format (29.7x42 cm), that's approximately 3500x5000 pixels. For 50x70 cm format, about 5900x8300 pixels. This resolution allows printing the poster without any pixelation up to the maximum size for which it was generated. The file format is PNG (lossless compression) with a universal sRGB color profile. If you want to print at a larger format than ordered, contact us: we can generate an even larger version on demand.
Are the colors durable over time?
Yes, provided you follow a few simple rules. The pigmented inks used on our 200 gsm paper offer tested durability of over 100 years protected from direct light and 60 to 80 years exposed to ambient indoor light (source: Wilhelm Research tests). To maximize lifespan: avoid direct sunlight several hours a day, maintain relative humidity between 40 and 60%, and frame the poster under anti-UV glass or acrylic if possible. Under normal indoor conditions, your poster will retain its original colors for a lifetime with no visible fading.
What paper is used for printing?
We use a premium 200 gsm matte paper of the "fine art" type, manufactured in Europe. Its technical specs: 0.25 mm thickness, 98% opacity, CIE 150 whiteness, FSC certified (sustainable forest management) and acid-free (neutral pH). The matte surface with a slight grain prevents reflections and gives a render close to traditional fine art paper. This paper is compatible with high-precision pigment printing techniques and accepts an extended color gamut. It's an excellent compromise between artistic quality, affordable price and shipping resistance.
Can the poster be framed later?
Yes, all our posters are printed at standard frame market dimensions. You can frame them yourself at any time, even years after purchase, in any Ikea, Target, Michaels frame or from a professional framer. A4, A3, 30x40, 50x70, 60x90 and 70x100 formats are all international standard sizes that will always find a matching frame. If you're hesitating between buying a frame from us (shipped assembled and ready to hang) or elsewhere, our guide to framing a city map poster will help you decide.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, we offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all our printed posters. If the poster arrives damaged, poorly printed or doesn't match your preview, we reprint and reship for free within 5 business days, or we fully refund your purchase at your preference. Digital versions can also be refunded in case of technical issue (corrupted file, rendering error) within 14 days of purchase. Our customer support responds to all inquiries within 24 business hours by email. We handle every claim individually to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Section 6 — Occasions and uses
Is it a good wedding gift?
Yes, the custom city map poster is one of the most popular wedding gifts at OwnHomeMap, accounting for nearly 40% of our orders. It lets you preserve the map of the city where the couple got married, met, or celebrated their honeymoon. Personalized with first names, the wedding date and a meaningful quote, it becomes a lasting emotional artwork. The 50x70 cm format in a light wood frame is the most requested for this use. For more ideas, see our guide to the city map wedding gift.
Can I give it to someone who "has everything"?
Absolutely, it's actually one of the most common use cases. Unlike a generic object, a custom city map poster is by definition unique: there's only one map with this precise combination of city, center, style, text and format. The person receiving it is immediately moved by the care put into choosing the location (which must mean something to them). It's a gift that speaks of emotion and memory rather than material value, making it hard to duplicate. Read our dedicated article: what gift for someone who has everything.
What's the most popular occasion?
The 3 most popular occasions at OwnHomeMap are, in order: the wedding (40% of orders, often given by a relative or bought by the couple themselves as a keepsake), the birth (22%, with the baby's city of birth and its exact coordinates) and the relationship anniversary (18%, often the city of the first meeting or the first trip together). These are followed by retirements, expat gifts, professional thank-yous and end-of-year gifts. Order peaks occur in May-June (weddings), November-December (Christmas) and May (Mother's Day).
Can I create a gallery wall with multiple posters?
Yes, the gallery wall is a very popular trend. You can order multiple posters representing cities tied to your journey: hometown, college town, meeting city, wedding city, current city. We recommend 3 to 6 posters of the same size (often 30x40 cm or 50x70 cm) with the same visual style for perfect coherence. The multi-poster discount (-10% to -20%) applies automatically. For hanging, allow 5 to 10 cm of spacing between each poster. Our guide to city map gallery walls details the best configurations.
How do I choose the right city for a gift?
The best city for a gift is one that holds a strong emotional meaning for the recipient. The most evocative choices: the city of birth, the childhood city, the college town, the city of the first meeting or first kiss, the wedding city, the city of an unforgettable trip, the city where a loved one lives. If you're hesitating, discreetly listen to the person talk about their most cherished memories or ask someone close. When in doubt, go for the current city or the hometown, which are the most universally appreciated choices. A well-chosen map always triggers strong emotion when the gift is opened.
Ready to create your poster?
You now have all the answers to confidently order your first custom city map poster. Whether you're looking for an emotional gift, original wall decor or a lasting keepsake, the city map poster combines cartographic precision, fine customization and professional print quality.
Start your creation in less than 5 minutes: choose your city, pick a style from our 17 themes, add your personal text and preview the result live. The digital version is delivered in 30 seconds, the printed version in 5 to 10 business days.
Start now and turn a place that matters into a unique artwork. Our customer support remains available at every step to guide you, and the 30-day satisfaction guarantee protects you in case of doubt.
To dig deeper into specific topics, explore our complementary guides: the complete guide to the custom city map poster, the breakdown of prices and pricing options, the information to add on your poster and the size guide to choose the right format.
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