Benchmark Maps

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Benchmark Maps is a map-publishing company based in Medford, Oregon. In late 2006, the company published detailed atlases for nine states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The company got its start in 1995, and had sold almost one million atlases by the end of 2006. It is jointly owned by Map Link and Stuart Allan Cartography. Eureka Cartography was an early partner in the business, but is no longer involved.

Benchmark Road & Recreation Atlases all follow a common pattern: The front of every atlas has separate United States, regional and state maps used for orientation and overview, followed by a complete Recreation Guide including facility information. Then come the highly detailed Landscape Maps, which combine shaded relief and hypsometric tints to reveal landforms. Finally there is a section of "Metro Maps," enlarged detail for getting around the urban areas. All atlases are field-checked by Benchmark staff.