Digital scratch map: mark the countries you have visited
The scratch-off map is a classic on travellers’ walls. Its digital version goes further: cities, dates, photos and statistics, always in your pocket.
What is a scratch map?
It is a world poster covered with a layer you scratch off with a coin: when you scratch a country its colour appears and it is marked as visited. It is a very popular gift and looks good on the wall, but it has its limits.
The poster’s limits
- It only marks countries (and sometimes US states), not cities.
- It does not keep dates or who you went with.
- Small countries are hard to scratch and a mistake cannot be undone.
- It stays at home: you cannot show it or check it while travelling.
Why a digital scratch map
- Mark countries and cities, even small towns.
- Add dates, notes and photos to each visit.
- See your statistics: percentage of the world, continents, distance travelled.
- Share an image of your map in seconds.
- Fix anything, whenever you want.
Poster or app: comparison
| Scratch poster | Digital map (Turi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Countries | Yes | Yes |
| Cities and towns | No | More than 69,000 |
| Dates and notes | No | Yes |
| Photos | No | Yes (PRO) |
| Statistics | No | Yes |
| Always with you | No | Yes |
| Looks good on the wall | Yes | Better in 3D 😉 |
How to start your map
Start with countries, which is quick. Then add the cities you remember, from your most recent trips to the oldest. If you do not remember the date of a trip, save it anyway. In one afternoon you will have your travelling life on a map.
Want to try right now? With our free countries of the world tool you can tick your countries in the browser and see your percentage in a minute.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a scratch map on the phone?
Yes. Apps like Turi work as a digital scratch map: you mark the countries and cities you have visited and they are coloured on the map, with dates and statistics.
How much does a digital travel map cost?
Turi is free for marking countries and cities. The PRO version, with notes, photos, lists and advanced statistics, is a one-time payment.
Can I mark cities on a scratch map?
Usually not on the poster, only countries. On a digital map like Turi you can mark more than 69,000 cities and towns.