Access & Use

All of Sightline’s maps, charts, tables, and other graphics are free for you to download, use, and share with others. We ask only that you give Sightline credit and that you do not modify or use them for commercial purposes without our permission. See our Free Use Policy for more information. To download the files, you must be a registered user of Sightline.org. Click here to register.

Which size should you download?

Most of our static maps, charts, tables, and graphics are available in three sizes: the larger the file, the better the quality of the visual (better clarity, detail, and color).

Small: The smallest image size (width x height) and the smallest file size (so fastest downloading). Small is best for websites or electronic formats like email and enewsletters. Resolution is 72dpi, which is suitable for viewing on a computer screen.

Medium: Medium is best for presentations; it looks good when viewed full size on a monitor or projected on a screen. Can also be used on a website if you want a larger image. Resolution is 72dpi.

Large: Large (hi-res) is both a large image size and a large file size. The resolution is 300dpi, which is best for print materials like newsletters, magazines, or books.

How to download the file

Small or medium graphics (maps, charts, tables): Click on the link that says “small” or “medium.” The image will automatically open in your browser. To save it to your computer:

• On a PC: Right-click on the image and choose the "save image" option.
• On a Mac: Click and hold down the mouse button; you will be given an option to save the image.

Large graphics: Click on the link that says “large.” Since these files are too big to open in a browser window, your browser will instead give you the option to open it with another program that you select, or to download (save) the graphic to your computer.

Animated maps: Some of our maps are “animated,” showing change in a trend over time (most are animated gifs, to be specific). These graphics work just like the small and medium graphics described above: once you've clicked on the link and the graphic opens in your browser, place your mouse over the image and right click (PC), or click-and-hold (Mac) to save to your computer.

Flash animations: We also have a handful of “Flash” animations (Flash is a multimedia programming language). Click on the link that says “Flash.” Your browser will give you the option save the file on your computer, or open it with the program of your choice (choose your favorite web browser).

Help: If you can only save the image as a bitmap (.bmp), you may need to clear the cache on your internet browser.

In Internet Explorer, go to Tools>Internet Options>General tab. Click Delete under Browsing History, and it will give the option to just delete all temporary internet files.

In FireFox, go to Tools>Options>Privacy tab. Click the Cache tab and click Clear cache now.

That should allow you to save images as a .gif or .jpg instead of a bitmap.

File types

Most of our maps are “jpeg” format, a format well suited to photos and detailed graphics such as maps. Most of our charts are “gif” format, which allows for clear lines and smaller file sizes. Both formats work well in print and on the web.

Powerpoint and Flash animations

If would like to use our animated forest maps or other Flash animations in a Powerpoint or other presentation, please contact Leigh Sims for specific instructions.