This message is from ----------------------------------------------------- Tue, 15 Feb 1994 22:11:24 -0230 [log in to unmask] RE: How Do I Create Maps for Publication? > MX%"[log in to unmask]" 14-FEB-1994 14:11:08.95 > Subj: How Do I Create Maps for Publication? > ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- > I need to prepare a series of maps illustrating the growth > of Cleveland for a book and I am looking for tips on how to > make them easily understood by the general readership. However, > the page size only permits maps of about 14.5 cm by 21 cm and I > am concerned that squeezing an entire county into that frame will > result in a scale too small to permit the comprehension of essential > details. Showing a network of railroad lines in 1890, for instance, > would be enhanced by providing referencing landmarks, political > boundaries, etc (perhaps in half-tones), but such orienting details > may make the maps too cluttered. > No doubt it is the resolution of such problems that marks great > cartography and can only be acquired by practice and genius. Lacking > both, what might I consider to solve the problem today? Hire or consult with a cartographer. I doubt anyone one can help over the net. I personally would need to see the text and understand exactly what your map/graphic objectives are. > Has anyone wrestled with this problem recently? Everyday > I'd appreciate any tips! Answer this question: How do I say what to whom? You have to really understand the What and the Who parts before you you can settle the HOW. The HOW part has two aspects: design and technique. They can be somewhat interrelated and also depend upon the quality of the final published work ( eg. xerox or printed on glossy paper). This might sound a little vague, but given the level of my understanding of your project, it is the best I can offer. > Also, I understand that some have imported TIGER files or MapExpert > files into programs like CorelDraw to produce publication-quality maps, > rather than create them on paper. Given the simplicity of the maps I > expect to create (black on white line drawings), perhaps that is more > than I need and perhaps I could just run off some maps at the university > GIS lab using some available electronic county map files and the output > functions of, say, MapInfo to get a final product. Yes, all the above is possible. Coreldraw is a useful tool in small scale, one off map production. Layering and text handling are two major strengths . Corel also has many export and import filters. > I'd love to hear from anyone trying to generate publication-quality > maps on some sort of software program, or anyone with ideas on how to make > small scale maps easier to comprehend. You might want to look at some basic introductory cartographic text books. I can't remember all the exact titles at this moment. Check your Library under the subject cartography. There are a whole bunch of them. Perhaps someone else on the net can suggest a few titles faster than I. > Bill Barrow > [log in to unmask] Hope this helps, GOOD LUCK, ...gary -- Gary E. McManus phone:(709)737-8996 fax:(709)737-4000 Memorial University of Newfoundland Cartographic Labortory (MUNCL) St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, A1B 3X9 Internet: [log in to unmask]