Map software

[rfulford]

I have a client who wants to provide me with a set of GPS coordinates along with 15-20 landmarks for creation of a map similar to the one attached. Does anyone know of some software that will make this a simple task? Mac is preferred but the best option wins of course.

 

[J Hill Designs]

draw over a google map?

 

[MatthewTimothy]

google map api

 

[MatthewTimothy]

go here

 

[rfulford]

J-Hill - Drawing over a Google map is the option I want to avoid. I would like to be pretty much done after finding all of the locations and setting the pins if possible.

Matthew - I did not clarify in my original post but, I need high res maps for print. I was hoping to find some type of tool for creating vector maps. Can the Google maps API help me there? Am I missing something?

 

[signswi]

It can only help you in that it'll map the spots and give you something to trace (you can't print it commercially legally), I don't know of any tool to automate the process and spit out print ready art.

Do the work it's good pen tool practice. A good print map is focused and simplified to things it is mapping for human legibility, something software wouldn't do.

 

[Rick]

What is this for?

A brochure? A wayfinding directory? Location Plan for install?

I have done quite a few maps similar to this, once tried getting maps from a city engineer then taking it into Canvas with the GIS module... in the end it was way easier to bitmap the image and redraw in Illustrator. I have also tried in Autocad too, big pain.

 

[WildWestDesigns]

I've used the MaPublisher plugin for Ai with great success. Might want to look into that.

 

[Locals Find!]

zipmapper.com makes custom maps. They will even print them for you. Might be easier to just sub out the job to them and slap a markup on it for your time.

 

[oldgoatroper]

zipmapper.com makes custom maps. They will even print them for you. Might be easier to just sub out the job to them and slap a markup on it for your time.

This is funny.


Somehow.



To me, anyway...

 

[rfulford]

What is this for?

A brochure? A wayfinding directory? Location Plan for install?

I have done quite a few maps similar to this, once tried getting maps from a city engineer then taking it into Canvas with the GIS module... in the end it was way easier to bitmap the image and redraw in Illustrator. I have also tried in Autocad too, big pain.

They are 30"x36" sales center maps. The scope of the job is several hundred unique maps which is why I want to automate or outsource as much as possible. If we were talking about one. I would trace it and be done with it. I am also still in the quoting phase which is why I want to streamline the process as much as possible.

Thanks for the tips on the AI plugin. I will check out zipmapper and see if it is an option for me.

 

[signswi]

Honestly I'd look into outsourcing it literally. To an actual person, not software. Still save yourself all the time and you can mark up your cost to your normal rate and be way head.

MaPublisher does look very interesting though, thanks WildWest.

 

[Tifosi]

Look for a local GIS Specialist that has ArcGIS and can create the maps for you and then provide you with a file if you want to print in house. Maps can have intense detail and someone with the right tools and training can knock out those maps for you in a heartbeat.