Encapsulated version of a global satellite mosaic of a cloud-free image of the Earth in its natural colours, as it would be seen from space. The map was produced for the NGS by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory using more than 500 satellite images prepared by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. One can easily identify the world’s major mountain ranges, glaciers, deserts, or rain forests. The colouring of the oceans shows various depths, with numerous trenches, ridges & fractures clearly visible. Polar Regions are included, shown as insets, whilst two smaller maps of the world provide information on the biosphere & surface temperature.*LAMINATED & ENCAPSULATED WALL MAPS:*- *laminated* wall maps have a thin layer of plastic usually applied to the printed side only. They can be written on with suitable marker pens without any damage to the map but, unless they have been laminated on both sides, they are not damp-proof.- *encapsulated* wall maps are sealed between two sheets of plastic. They are more rigid & heavier than laminated maps of the same size. They are damp-proof & do not crinkle in humid conditions. Encapsulation gives the map a shiny surface, similar to being displayed behind glass.- *please note:* many publishers & retailers often use these two terms interchangeably. Our map titles & descriptions follow the definitions provided above.