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The art of map making |
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Map making is an ancient art (see the
History of Cartography)
and the usefulness of maps is far from over. On the contrary, maps providing
information, instructions and directions are more prolific than ever before.
In a world where there is an increase in the number of people
that are illiterate, ignorant or simply can't be bothered, a
good picture still says a thousand words.
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Cartography uses and
map making |
| The uses of
cartography and map making are endless. To get from one place to
another, depending on distance, we can use a global map, a map
of the region or country, city maps, public transport maps, a
map of the layout of the store and so on.
Once you start to think about it, you spot
maps everywhere. Directions on a train station or airport,
inside a department store, in buildings showing exit routes, in
books and other material to display features and events. On web
sites, to help you get around.
Making a map clear and concise seems to be
very difficult.
Often the "Less is More" is essential, and what you leave out
of a map more important than what you put in. Many map makers,
however, fall into the trap of adding items to a map rather than
removing them. Don't. Nothing is more
difficult than a map showing so much detail or information that
you can neither make heads or tails of it.
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In practical terms this means that many maps
are badly made. It is frustrating to have to use a map that
isn't clear in its explanation, uses wrong colours and text
and generally confuses rather than clarifies.
We love maps and it is a pleasure to find a
clear and good looking map in a brochure or flyer these
days. Even "professionally" made road maps and atlases which
are sold commercially are often badly made. They are
inaccurate, unclear in their symbology, and are often
geographically unfounded.
Got a picture of a badly made map? We will
be happy to post it here as an example how NOT to make maps.
Mail us at
Links999.
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Map making materials and software
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| With the advent of the desktop
computer too many businesses construct their maps and signage
in-house using some graphics program which they happen to have
and an employee who "knows how to make a map."
This doesn't necessarily mean that the map will be bad, even
with the best of tools someone inadequate will create an
inadequate product, but generally these maps are useless and
confusing. Not to mention seriously ugly.
However, for making a little map for the B-Side of your
business card or directions to your restaurant, it certainly is
cheaper than getting a map maker or cartographic office
involved. The expense simply isn't justified and most small
businesses have little choice.
So what the world needs, and especially small and medium
enterprises, is either a good book on how to make -simple- maps
using traditional map making materials such as pencil and ruler,
or software that doesn't cost thousands of dollars (or even
hundreds, for that matter).
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Dreamline Cartography |
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Versamap - software
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Map Maker
- A free and professional version for making (GIS-based)
maps.
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AutoREALM - AutoREALM is a freely available fantasy
role-playing map making program. Includes utilities, symbol
files, and sample maps. |
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Mapedit - a low cost straightforward map editing
software package suitable for many purposes.
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AGIS - a low cost GIS-based map making software with
easy to learn manual. |
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MapCruzin - a free GIS resource page from the makers of
MapCruzin. |
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MapQuest
- Offers a free simple directional map service to most
places and countries in the world.
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Terraserver
- free aerial maps of your town or region. Just enter name
and country under the Search option.
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Cartography
companies, map makers and web sites |
There is a big interest in the art of cartography
and a good cartographer is born, not made, so it is said. But to make a
good map
you need to understand what the map needs to display and who it is
for and, even if there are principles to follow, the best of maps
are based on creativity and insight coupled with skill, rather than
skill alone.
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