Question: Tools for the Beginning Cartographer?

Skip Armstrong works for an adventure travel company in Costa Rica, and would like to make a map. But he’s not sure where to start:

I would like to create a map of the rivers of Costa Rica and would like some input on how this might be done. I would like to use Adobe Illustrator but am in the dark on any other tools/software that might be available. Also, what books would you reccomend to a cartographer just getting started?

Skip’s question is applicable to anyone who wants to start a map and doesn’t know where to begin. MAPublisher comes immediately to mind — it’s a set of map plugins for Adobe Illustrator (see previous entry) — but it’s expensive, and Skip hasn’t mentioned how much detail he wants: an overview for publicity purposes, or something more topographical? Also, while the Illustrator/MAPublisher combo is fine for professional-level mapmaking (if I’m not mistaken), is there something a bit more entry-level that even tyros like me could handle?

6
Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 at 10:55 PM
Categories: Questions

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Comments

Pencil and Paper!!!

Allen Turner on February 14, 2005 at 8:31 AM

For online education and tutorials on computer assisted cartography, go to the Virtual Campus at ESRI.COM . Some courses are free; all are low cost.

Judy Boyd on February 14, 2005 at 8:36 AM

http://www.inmodf.com/inmotico/costaricas.htm
Try this I got in a search, you may able to digitize from a satellite photo. Site has other mapping info. for Costa Rica. Try Microdem, see if their is GIS for Costa Rica already available through a search, load into application, zoom to correct level, print.

waban_star on February 14, 2005 at 11:49 AM

Another ESRI product (see Judy Boyd’s comment) is free digital cartography software called ArcExplorer. You can get data from many different web sites that work with that software. Places to start are www.geographynetwork.com and also clearinghouse.esri.com/ESRIgateway.htm
It’s likely that with some effort, you’ll be able to download the data you are looking for without the need to create it yourself.

Here’s a set of world data to get you started:
www.esri.com/data/download/basemap/index.html

The software products created by ESRI are the most commonly used by professional GIS people (like myself). Search www.esri.com for ArcExplorer to download a copy of the software.

Ann Stark on February 14, 2005 at 12:51 PM

You must begin with pencil, paper, then ink, then overlays. If you can’t control those tools, you won’t be able to know how to direct a computer to the results you want. You have to be able to draw curving, accurate lines, you have to communicate feeling. A computer will not give you that. And they cost so little! You can then scan it into a computer, or photocopy it. The first technique is with grids, and a source like an aerial photo. Using the grids you can reproduce accurately on paper what is in the photo. You have to sharpen your visual acuity, and eye-hand coordination. Then you can use vellum to trace your drawing minus the grids, if desired, then ink over it. It actually will be faster too, probably.

Saul Davis on February 14, 2005 at 8:30 PM

Thanks so much for all your help. Another quick question, does anybody know where I could find a good source for map icons? Thank you

Skip Armstrong on February 19, 2005 at 11:10 AM

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