The 50in ink-jet printer, which was installed in May, is being used to output images of subscribers communities.

Information on a customers location is sent to Getmappings Coalville, Leicestershire, offices, where it is pinpointed and converted with specialist software before printing begins.

The Grand Sherpa produces a full 50in print in two minutes. Getmapping marketing director Rachel Eddy said the printer had boosted production "just at the right time".

The Grand Sherpa prints at up to 40m2 an hour at 360x360dpi or 12m2 an hour at 720x720dpi.

Getmapping will shortly switch to Agfas 240gsm print media to give the "look and feel of high-quality photographic print material", according to production director David Stubley.