Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Isotides annual tide prints — data sources, paper stock, framing options, and AU/NZ shipping timelines.

Is the data accurate?

The data comes from official sources — Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) for New Zealand, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) for Australia and the South Pacific, and NOAA for the United States. Every curve is calculated from published tide predictions, not estimated.

Does the poster show the whole year?

Yes. Twelve months of tides, laid out in a 12×31 grid. Every day of the tidal year, in sequence.

Is the tide data for a full calendar year?

Yes — each edition covers January through December of the selected year. Tides follow lunar cycles so they're timeless as art, but we anchor each edition to a calendar year for clarity.

What print sizes are available?

Physical posters are available in A3 (29.7×42cm), A2 (42×59.4cm), and A1 (59.4×84.1cm). Digital downloads include an A-series master for A1, A2, or A3 plus exact 18×24in and 24×36in US poster pages.

What comes with a digital download?

A ZIP containing one three-page, print-ready vector PDF: an A-series master for A1, A2, or A3, an exact 18×24in page, and an exact 24×36in page. It also includes a printing guide and a personal-use license. The download is available immediately after payment.

Can I share or sell the digital files?

No. A digital purchase licenses you to make personal, non-commercial prints. You may use a professional print shop, but you may not share, redistribute, resell, sublicense, or use the artwork commercially.

What's the delivery time?

Digital files are available immediately after payment. Physical posters are made to order and typically ship within 5 business days. Unframed delivery is free worldwide; framed delivery is free within New Zealand and Australia.

What if I'm not happy with my order?

Physical posters can be returned within 30 days for a full refund, and damaged orders are replaced free. Digital change-of-mind returns are not available after download, but defective or incorrect files will be corrected or refunded. Email us for help.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Unframed posters ship free worldwide. Framed posters are available within New Zealand and Australia only (free shipping both countries) — the weight and handling of framed prints makes international shipping impractical.

Why do some posters look different from others?

Tide patterns vary by location. Most places have semi-diurnal tides — two highs and two lows each day — which create our signature dual-pathway look. Some locations, mainly on Australia’s west coast, experience diurnal tides with just one high and one low per day. We use a tidal thread visualization for those to best reflect their natural rhythm. See Scarborough, Margaret River, or Red Bluff for examples. Both styles are accurate and unique to each location.