The United States Explorer map is a classic example of the cartographic excellence National Geographic is known for. This colorful political map clearly shows state boundaries, capitals, major highways, rivers, lakes, and many major cities. Insets show detail of Alaska and Hawaii. The color palette is vibrant and stunning shaded relief provides additional texture and detail.

The map is encapsulated in heavy-duty 1.6 mil laminate which makes the paper much more durable and resistant to the swelling and shrinking caused by changes in humidity. Laminated maps can be framed without the need for glass, so the frames can be much lighter and less expensive.