A readily available, static visual representation of North Carolina’s geographic features, boundaries, and points of interest, designed for physical reproduction. This cartographic resource can range from simplified outlines for educational purposes to detailed representations displaying roads, topography, and landmarks. For example, a teacher might use a simplified version for students to learn county locations, or a traveler might print a road-focused iteration for navigation in areas with limited cellular service.
These resources offer practical advantages in situations where digital access is limited or unreliable. They provide a tangible, easily annotated reference for planning trips, studying geography, or documenting field research. Historically, physical cartography was the primary means of geographic understanding, and the capacity to create and distribute these resources democratized access to spatial information, fostering a better understanding of the state’s diverse landscape and its administrative divisions.
The subsequent sections will explore the various types of these cartographic resources, their potential applications, and resources for obtaining high-quality versions suitable for a range of needs.