Wide Ranging World Map released and available for Earth Day. First and only environmental wall map for the classroom and home school students

The Exploration Company (http://www.theexplorationcompany.com) has released the Wide Ranging World Map, featuring ecological and cultural details never before shown in a world wall map. Its initial market-testing over, the maps wide-release is made to coincide with Earth Day, on April 22nd.

Breaking with tradition, this map replaces elevation with the rendition of terrain (deserts, forests, savanna). In addition to displaying all countries, active border disputes and key cities, the map notes cultural regions (Kashmir, Scotland, Transylvania) and prominent indigenous nations (Kurds, Palestinians, Inuit).

Daniel Rirdan, Director of The Exploration Company and producer of the map, explained, If conventional political maps are the story of governments, the Wide Ranging World Map is the story of the people and the earth. People will not remember the actual extent of rainforest destruction or names of indigenous nations that make up Indonesia. But it matters not. By the sheer inclusion of these features on a map, they acquire a reality in peoples eyes."

Chris Durbin, the Formal Geography Advisor for BBC Education, stated that the map is one of the best I have seen. I would without hesitation recommend it. Pupils were drawn to it like a magnet."

The map has already made its way to Marcellus High School in Michigan. The schools social studies teacher commented, The kids are looking at the map all the time. They think that its really 'cool."

The map indicates population density and where natural vegetation has been replaced with cropland, along with marine pollution, radioactive contamination, and destroyed rainforests. This is the first time any of these features has been shown on a wall map of the world.

The map has also been of keen interest to environmental organizations. Foremost are The Rainforest Site and Earth Day Network.

Greg Hesterberg, co-owner and President of The Rainforest Site (www.therainforestsite.com), commented, "The Rainforest Site, in partnership with Earth Day Network, is proud to offer this eye-opening map to those interested in the health of the planet, and the reality of environmental issues. It offers a powerful view of the world that you can't get elsewhere, educating viewers and encouraging them to take action to protect our shared home." The Rainforest site is one of the Webs leading activism sites, dedicated to the preservation of rainforest land.

The map comes in a number of sizes and prices, ranging from $15.95 (40" x 27") to $132 (60" x 37," on a spring roller, for schools) and is available for purchase at www.theexplorationcompany.com, select teacher-supply stores (Learning is Fun), nature stores (The Nature of Things), and map stores nationwide.