GIANT FLOOR MAP

FAQs

Ocean, Freshwater, and Us Giant Floor Map

We’re excited that you have decided to host the Ocean, Freshwater, and Us giant floor map at your event! This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide is designed to provide you with essential information and guidance to navigate the reservation, installation, and return processes seamlessly. Whether you’re an educator planning a conference educational session or an event organizer looking to engage your audience with this incredible resource, you’ll find answers to common questions here.

Please take a moment to browse through these FAQs to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience with the map. If you have additional questions or require further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact jae williams, Learning and Engagement Specialist.

About the map

What is the Ocean, Freshwater, and Us Giant Floor Map?

The Ocean, Freshwater, and Us Giant Floor Map is a large educational resource designed for public spaces; indoor or outdoor, festivals and events. This Giant Floor Map is made for walking on, allowing users to understand the ocean and waterways by physically experiencing them! Augmented Reality, 360 video, and other interactive activities also further help bring this giant map to life!

Does the map come in different sizes?

The giant floor map, available in two sizes: Standard (11m x 8m) and Class Room (8m x 6m).

How much does the map weigh?

The Standard (11m x 8m) size weighs 32-kg and Class Room (8m x 6m) weighs 22-kg. This includes the hockey bag, and the supporting engagement equipment and materials.

How is the giant floor map transported?

The giant floor map is transported in a sturdy hockey bag with wheels and a telescopic handle.

Reserving the map

How can I book the map for my event or organization?

To book the map, go back to the Giant floor map page and fill out the booking form. A member of our team will contact you within 2 business days to confirm the reservation.

What information is required to reserve a map?

To book the map, we will need to know:

The organization who will be responsible for the map during the event
Contact details of the event host
The dates of the event
The shipping address, where the map will be signed for on delivery

What is the availability of the map?

Please complete your booking request to get an answer on the availability. The reservation form must be completed at least 2-weeks prior to the event date.

How long can I reserve the map for?

The maximum booking period is one week or 2 weeks for summer camps. This period does not include the time required for shipping.

Is there a fee for booking the map?

Access to the giant floor map is available to organisations for events or school communities free of charge. In return for this free service we ask all event hosts to register their event on the OWC event portal (Not applicable for school communities), share photos from the event and their thoughts about the experience in a short Post-Event Survey.

Shipping and receiving

How will the map be shipped to me?

The map will be shipped via a 3rd party freight/courier service (typically Purulator or FedEx). A member of our team will coordinate the logistics and provide you with tracking information.

Is there a shipping cost, and who is responsible for it?

There is no shipping cost associated with the reservation. The Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition (COLC) takes care of this.

What should I do upon receiving the map?

Upon receiving the map, carefully inspect the hockey bag used to transport the map and contents for any damage during transit. If you notice any issues, please document them and notify COLC’s Operations Manager immediately.

How should I store the map before and after use?

Store the map in a dry and secure area to prevent damage. After use, clear the map of surface debris, fold and place in the hockey hockey bag. Be sure to place the folded map at the bottom and the supporting equipment and materials on the top of the map. Check out this short video showing how to fold the map.

Do I need to return the map in its original packaging?

Yes. The map is shipped in a hockey bag. It must be returned in the hockey bag that it was received in.

Can I arrange my own pickup and return of the map instead of using COLC’s shipping carrier?

No, we work with specific shipping carriers to ensure reliable and safe delivery. The map you reserved is also part of a collection of maps moving across the country in a coordinated way via these carriers.

What is the recommended timeline for shipping and receiving the map before my reservation date?

We aim to have the shipment arrive at least 2 days before your event launch to allow for potential shipping delays and on-site installation.

What do I do if the map is damaged during shipping or transit?

If you notice any damage to the map upon receipt, document it with photos and contact the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition’s Operations Manager immediately. We will assist you in resolving the issue and ensuring you have a functional map for your reservation.

How do I return the map after my reservation?

Before your event ends, the Operations Manager of the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition will send the event host a shipping label for the outbound shipment identifying the carrier and the window of time the pick will occur. Typically the pick-up is scheduled for the next 24-48 business hours, after the end of the event.

Installing the map

How should I prepare the location for the map?

Ensure the floor/ground is clean and free of debris. You can use tape or markers to outline the map’s boundaries, however no glue from this tape should touch the map.

Can I get assistance with setting up the map?

Yes, a member of our team is happy to provide guidance (remotely) on map set-up and use. Contact jae williams for support.

What technical requirements are needed to use the map’s interactive features?

The map includes augmented reality and 360° videos. Users will need a compatible handheld smart device (e.g., mobile, phones, tablets) with the Ocean Week Canada AR App installed for the best experience. Download the QR code for your device: IOS | Android.

Engaging your visitors

What is the recommended group size for using the map?

The full-sized map comfortably accommodates 20 – 25 visitors at one time. Consider timed visits (staggered) or hosting multiple sessions for larger groups.

Is the map suitable for all age groups?

Yes, the map is designed to engage learners of all ages, from children to adults, however the youngest among us should be supervised by a responsible adult since the content does exceed the reading level of primary school aged children.

Can I request additional educational materials or resources to complement the map?

There are supporting materials and equipment contained in the hockey bag for this purpose. Also, we have created a Do It Yourself tool that you can print and post at your event. The DIY tool will help visitors get the most of their time on the map. This resource guides the public on the map if you do not have a dedicated facilitator leading the map activation. Lastly, the OWC AR app had many engaging and interactive features to educate and entertain users.

Building an ocean community

How can I stay updated on the latest news and events related to the map?

Follow us on social media [Facebook, Instagram] and subscribe to our newsletter for updates, educational resources, and upcoming events.

How can I contribute to the success of Ocean Week Canada and the UN Ocean Decade with this initiative?

Your participation helps promote ocean literacy and awareness. Share your experiences on social media, use event-specific hashtags, and encourage others to get involved. Also, when you receive the GFM Post-Event Survey from our team, please complete it at your earliest convenience.