A synthetic resin of great dimensional stability, used in drawing maps.

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Dimensional stability matters in drawing maps because the surface you work on must stay flat and retain accurate scale as humidity, temperature, or time cause slight changes. Vinylite, a vinyl resin, is well known for its excellent dimensional stability, meaning it resists swelling or shrinking and keeps lines, angles, and distances true to scale. This makes it a reliable drawing surface or overlay material for map work, where precise reproduction and consistency are crucial. The other resins don’t offer the same combination of stability and suitability for drawing: for example, Bakelite is very rigid and can be brittle, which isn’t ideal for fine map line work; cellulose nitrate (nitrocellulose) films can be less stable over time and under light or humidity; polyvinyl acetate is mainly used as an adhesive or coating rather than as a stable drawing plate. Vinylite’s balance of stability, workability with inks, and durability makes it the best choice for drawing maps.