In order to evaluate the spatial location of late potentials (LPs), we designed a new system for the body surface mapping of signal-averaged, filtered ECG using 45 thoracic unipolar leads (5 X 9 array). Signals from patients with old myocardial infarction (MI, N = 8), arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (N = 1) and dilated cardiomyopathy (N = 2) were amplified and passed through a digital bandpass filter (60-300Hz). Departure maps, LP isopotential maps, and LP30 area maps were generated and superimposed. The LP30 duration was determined as the section between the filtered QRS endpoints and points 30 msec before. Isopotential maps of the LPs showed distinct positive and negative regions. In 8 cases with MI, the extreme was related to the zones indicated by departure maps, and LP30 area maps also corresponded to the departure areas. Most importantly, the spatial distribution for the LP30 area map was different for each type of disease. In conclusion, body surface LP isopotential maps and LP30 area maps may provide useful information concerning the spatial distribution of LPs.