World's First Ocean Drainage Basin Maps Showing All Rivers
With the biggest sigh of relief possible, we are very happy to announce that our second big project of the year is finished. After overcoming the numerous problems and obstacles we faced, our new map style is finally official and available in the MapShop. Let us present to you: The Ocean Drainage Basin Maps.
But what is an ocean drainage basin map? I hear most of you asking. A couple of years ago, I tried to find a map showing which ocean each of the world's rivers ends up in. I was surprised to find that there wasn't one, so I decided to make it myself, as usual. However, after realising all the technical difficulties involved, I wasn't so surprised that it didn't exist anymore. :)
There were long periods when I was too busy to work on this project, but the idea never left my mind and I kept going back to it. After hundreds of hours of planning, data editing and mapmaking, I can finally present what I believe to be the world's first ocean drainage basin map, showing every single river and colour-coded according to their final destination.
(If you do know about a map like this, please let me know so I can take it back!)
On top of the global map I've created a set of 43 maps for different countries, states and continents:
And even maps for the individual oceans:
Most maps have the following versions, and all their possible combinations available:
- maps with only a title,
- maps with a legend included,
- and even maps which have the different oceans coloured as well.
- all of them on a black or white background, as usual.
Here's an example of a white background with coloured oceans (aka polygons). The ocean drainage basin map of North America:
And here's the ocean drainage basin map of the contiguous United States on a white background, with white oceans:
I'm on the record saying many times that I like to create maps that speak for themselves, without any text. However, I felt that, given the complexity of this subject, we absolutely needed at least a title and, most likely, a legend. I still think these maps are attractive and are works of art in their own right, but who would want to buy them if they don't know what they show? Unlike with the river basin maps, it was possible to create a legend for these new maps, as they only use a handful of different colours.
Wall art for everyone
Along with the new map style we are also introducing a new print material, and two ready-to-hang options. The matte fine art paper will stay, but now you also have the chance to buy the maps on a lustre photo paper. For the fine art paper, there's now an option to buy them framed, or with a magnetic hanger, making them ready for gifting. There are plans for more printing materials, but because of those aforementioned obstacles, well, let's just aim for sometime next year.
I really hope you like these new maps! It's been a long time since I released a new map style, so this is a proud moment for me. If you do like them, please share them with your friends and family so they can make someone else happy too. Our maps tend to spark curiosity, serving as great conversation starters and inviting viewers to ask questions about our natural environment, so they're perfect for sharing on social media. Click here to see and share our Facebook post about the new maps.
Thank you for being awesome, and please share your feedback with us, we can only do better, if we know our flaws, right? :) You can let us know your thoughts here in the comments, as a public review, or through our contact form that lands in our inbox.
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Update February 2026: Please note that this article contains outdated information regarding the products available. If you'd like to buy a map currently not included in our portfolio, please contact us, we are happy to help!
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Amazing work. Truly beautiful maps that enrich our understanding and appreciation of this magical and complex world. Thank you
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