Red Lodge, MT - MyTopo.com, the web's most popular website for ordering large-format topos and air photos, added a new feature today - the ability to order laminated maps. Laminated maps are covered with a protective coating that can be written on with a dry erase marker and greatly enhances the map's durability.

"Our customers, from hunters, backpackers and landowners to hot air balloonists and adventure race directors, have told us that they would really like to have laminated copies of their maps," said Tom Kohley, co-founder of myTopo.com. "We know folks are going to be excited that option is now available."

On the myTopo.com website, you can center an air photo or topographic map anywhere in the United States, choose the map's scale, grid lines, and title, and then personalize it with your name. The maps can be printed on waterproof or glossy paper and come in three sizes. They range in price from $9.95 to $29.95, and are printed and shipped within 24 hours. To order your map laminated there is an additional charge of $6.00 for small (18" x 24') maps, $12.00 for medium (24" x 36") maps and $22.00 for large (36" x 44") maps, and the normal 24 hour print/ship turnaround is extended to five to seven days.

MyTopo.com began offering the web's first print-on-demand service for custom, waterproof topo maps in Fall 2000. In 2002, the site added aerial photos to its service, additional size choices, and the ability to order topos and air photos on a glossy paper, more appropriate for framing.

"Adding an option for our customers to order their maps laminated was a goal for 2003," said Kohley. "We are also working on adding shaded relief to our topo maps, and the ability to annotate air photos or topos and then order large-format copies with the annotations printed on the map. We hope to have these features available by the Fall."

The myTopo.com website is currently featured in AARP, the nation's largest circulation magazine. Since its inauguration, the site has been lauded in national publications such as American Hunter, Camping Life, Outdoor Photography, Backpacker Magazine, and in the outdoor columns of newspapers across the country.

MyTopo.com is owned by AO Hunt, LLC, a private company based in Eagan, MN. AOHunt also owns MapCard, a subscription-based online mapping system recently named Backpacker Magazine's Editors' Choice for 2003. For more information, visit www.mytopo.com or www.mapcard.com or call 866-587-9015.

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