# Microfiber Maps Rand McNally Waterproof 'fabMAP' Doubles as Handkerchief and Screen Cleaner By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2009-01-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rand-mcnally-fabmap References: [core77](http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/the_decline_of_printed_matter_the_rise_of_microfiber_12411.asp) & [store.randmcnally](http://store.randmcnally.com/category/id/100191.do?KickerID=100026&KICKER) The advent of GPS has brought the [printed map](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pastmaps) to near extinction, but Rand McNally hopes to revive traditional hand-held navigation with the fabMAP. This map is printed on microfiber, so while it can be used like a regular paper map, it can also be used to [wipe an LCD screen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-pad), clear smudges off of camera lenses or [clean a cell phone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hard-surface-cleaner). Yes, apparently it's come to that. Naturally, there's a commemorative Inaugural Day version fit for framing with President Obama's smiling grill on the reverse side of the map. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Microfiber Maps:** Microfiber maps are disrupting traditional hand-held navigation by offering dual functionality as screen cleaners. - **Reviving Printed Maps:** The fabMAP is bringing printed maps back into relevance by incorporating microfiber material for additional practical uses. - **Multi-purpose Fabrics:** The use of microfiber as a fabric is expanding beyond traditional applications to include navigation aids and screen cleaning. ### Where This Applies - **Navigation:** The navigation industry can explore the incorporation of microfiber material in their products to add practical functionality, such as screen cleaning. - **Printing:** The printing industry can adapt to the shift towards multi-functional printed materials, like microfiber maps, to stay relevant in the digital age. - **Digital Devices:** Manufacturers and sellers of digital devices can consider partnering with microfiber map producers to offer added value to their customers through dual-functionality products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Map-Inspired Fleece Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xplorer-maps.md) - [Lens-Cleaning Apparel Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microfiber-collection.md) - [Iconic Cartographic Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/route-66-centennial.md) - [Pore-Cleaning Microfiber Cloths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scrub-daddy-microfiber-cloth.md) - [Oversized Car-Drying Towels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oversized-long-reach-microfiber-towel.md) - [Self-Cleaning Touchscreen Dashboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfcleaning-system.md) - [Fast-Drying Odor Control Towels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/packtowl.md) - [Laundry Microfiber Filters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/less-microfiber-filter.md) - [Expanding Towel Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/expanding-towel.md)