Tutorial 1 - How We Draw Maps



In this tutorial we tackle the big question - how do we draw maps?

Maps are either created royalty (copyright) free or can be based on another publisher's existing mapping. There is a different approach to creating each of these types of maps.

  • Useful link > Here we show you how UK town and city maps are produced royalty free and on this page we explain how royalty free area and regional maps are produced which requires a different approach.

But on this page we explain how most other types of maps are created.

The first criterion is finding a source to produce our map from. This can be anything from digital data we have purchased or licensed, to satellite images, aerial photography and old maps.

  • Be aware of copyright issues when copying mapping or other documents - this is a very hot issue at present. Most maps (including Ordnance Survey) must be a minimum of 50 years old before they become out of copyright.
   
os map
Mapping sources must usually be over 50 years old to avoid copyright issues

Digital data for creating maps is normally bought or licensed in GIS (Geographical Information System) formats and these are not usually directly compatible with the graphics programmes that our maps are created with. Data in these formats must be converted to a graphics format such as Illustrator or Freehand and this is carried out using bespoke conversion programmes on our PC’s.

  • GIS data can make for very large file sizes due to the number of digitised ‘points’ and usually needs to be generalised in the graphics programme.

Other sources such as satellite imagery and paper mapping need to be scanned and imported directly into Illustrator or Freehand.

Once our source for the new map is in the graphics system, a design for the map needs to be considered. At this stage we try and take into account the final use of the map so that our new map will sit comfortably in the brochure, web site, publication etc that it is to be used in. We also have to be aware of the final size (physical size as well as pixel dimensions) and scale of the map as both these elements will play a large factor in the choice of fonts, colours and design.

At this stage we can start work on actually creating the map artwork. Our cartographers work on both PC’s and Macs with a combination of software. For instance, to produce the map example here the cartographer would have used PhotoShop to create the background effect and then imported the file into Freehand to produce the mapping over the top.

huddersfield map  

The map shown here was sourced initially from out of copyright mapping and then enhanced with data collected via GPS and a site survey.

The mapping data was created in Freehand with the background effect produced in PhotoShop.

The style or design of the map is created in liaison with the client to suit the particular product.

The map was created on a Mac but the resultant Freehand file is equally at home in the PC environment with only font compatibility as a concern. Converting fonts to paths or outlines at the final supply of files to the client ensures the data is completely universal and can be used on any system.

  • Converting fonts to paths or outlines will solve any compatibility problems when printing but remember to save a copy first as you cannot convert back from paths to fonts in the future.

The actual structure of the Freehand or Illustrator file is vitally important. Correct layering and use of styles and colour panels must be adhered to so that overprinting elements on the map display correctly when exported and printed. Many of our maps will have between 20 and 100 different layers with different elements on each layer with an equal number of Styles in Freehand. Even one small error in the layer structure will render the mapping unusable.

Layer panel in Freehand   Styles panel in Freehand
freehand page   freehand page

The final format that the map is supplied in depends on its intended use. For litho (full colour) printing we would supply eps files and for web use we would recommend jpeg files. Other file formats are available including pdf, tiff, gif etc as well as the open Illustrator or Freehand files. We usually licence the use of Illustrator or Freehand files as these contain all our layers, styles, background information etc for the mapping – all our hard work in fact!

Obviously this is only a brief overview of how a map is produced but it should give you an insight into what goes on behind the scenes. As maps are all different to some extent they all need a slightly different approach. To find out more try using our contact form.

Finally, if you are interested in cartography as a career we are always happy to receive applications for employment. See the information on how to apply here.

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