Looking for vector lake maps

[Dennis Schaub]

I recently started creating lake signs for locations all over the US. Basically just the name of the lake and the profile of the lake itself. I have been struggling to find a good source for clean vector files of these lakes though. Any suggestions? Thank You!

 

[Solventinkjet]

Go to google maps satellite mode and find the lake you want, take a screenshot, paste into Illustrator and trace with the pen tool. It sounds like a lot of work but it is not bad and it's a really good way to get good with the pen tool.

 

[Billct2]

I agree. I would think the type of signs you are talking about don't need a perfect image since lots of details get lost anyhow.

 

[letterman7]

Good gig to have. I concur with the above.

 

[bannertime]

You may be able to get vector information from OpenStreetMap.

 

[AKwrapguy]

I recently started creating lake signs for locations all over the US. Basically just the name of the lake and the profile of the lake itself. I have been struggling to find a good source for clean vector files of these lakes though. Any suggestions? Thank You!

Try looking for a Topo map of the area. I know that at one point you used be able to download them from the USGS.

 

[Pippin Decals]

Try looking for a Topo map of the area. I know that at one point you used be able to download them from the USGS.

I think google earth used to have it in the options sections for view mode..

 

[jfiscus]

I know there is a way to get the topo data from the maps online. Look up 3D laser/CNC cut lake maps and see if someone has it posted on where they get their data.

 

[signmania]

Depending on how much detail you need, try nationalmaps.gov. They've got downloadable pdfs in vector form. There may be other government agencies that have that info available too. Or check with the Russians--they probably have some good info.

 

[unclebun]

I've had to do maps for customers and found that the state has a pdf of the official state highway map available for download. It is all vector, and has all the major lakes for our state plus a few in Arkansas and one in Oklahoma (under the box of text). http://modot.mo.gov/missourimap/documents/2017/2017MissouriHighwayMapFront.pdf Perhaps other states offer theirs on their department of transportation websites as well.

 

[shoresigns]

You may be able to get vector information from OpenStreetMap.

I started looking into this and it's probably a viable option. You can export map data to an OSM file, then use a desktop app or a command-line utility to convert it to SVG, which can then be imported into Illustrator.

https://www.openstreetmap.org/

Check out the Rendering help page for a list of utilities that can convert your OSM file to SVG.
https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Rendering

 

[AKwrapguy]

I think google earth used to have it in the options sections for view mode..

The USGS have vector maps.