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Tue, 15 Feb 1994 22:11:24 -0230
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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]
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