----------------------------Original message----------------------------
The British Ordnance Survey has had Print on Demand in their largest maps
stores for a year or more.  It is only for the larger scales (1:12,500 etc.)
if I remember correctly and not for the 1:25,000 series.  It is aimed at the
commercial users; builders, real estate agents, etc. that need land plats,
building info, etc., rather than the hiker, etc. that is a major user of
topos here in the USA.
 
It has been a success according to the map stores themselves in that they do
alot of business.  However, it should be noted that the OS paid for the
equipment for the map stores initially (computer, plotter, modem line, etc.)
so that enough stores could afford to participate.  Also, the OS essentially
does not deal directly with the public, forcing the public to use a map
dealer - something that USGS has stated very loudly and publicly will not
happen here (most recently at the IMTA convention in Denver in September).
 
I don't know how the OS handles depository on the large-scale maps - an
interesting problem.
 
Russell Guy
OMNI Resources
 
At 03:06 PM 10/23/96 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>In the Nov. 1996 (vol.9, no.11) issue of GIS World, there is a short piece
>titled "USGS, 3M Enter 'Print on Demand' Agreement.  Prototype hardware and
>software are to be developed to allow retail shops to access, download maps,
>and print maps on demand.  This is to help the USGS reduce the costs of storing
>and printing maps.  I was wondering if that is what a map room in a library
>will also be required to do in the future.  The rest of the Depository program
>is heading this direction.
>
>Joyce Ryerson
>Baker Library Map Room
>Dartmouth College
>
Russell Guy
OMNI Resources
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