Maps on a Mac

October 11, 2007 1:08 PM

GraphicsFilter: Help me find a program to import and mark up maps on a Mac.

I want a graphics programs that will allow me to import line maps and mark them up with colors, symbols and so on. I know how to use simple graphics programs (e.g., OmniGraffle, which I love), but fear Illustrator. What are my choices? Should I fear Illustrator?

Also, I assume I need to buy the graphics program, purchase the line maps, import them, and then mark them up. Is that right?

posted by MarshallPoe to computers & internet (10 comments total)

What software you use depends somewhat on what the file format the maps are in.
I've purchased large vector-based state maps in the past. They generally came in EPS format and I did my editing in Illustrator.
I don't think you need to fear Illustrator, necessarily. Download the trial version and see if it works for you.
posted by Thorzdad at 1:27 PM on October 11, 2007

What type of maps? You can get vector outlines of countries and states for free. Here, here, here.

GIMP is a free graphics program that should do the job for you.
posted by desjardins at 1:34 PM on October 11, 2007

Oh, and I'm curious what your final product will be. Static, printed maps? An image for a Web site? If the latter, don't bother with Illustrator, etc. Just use My Maps on Google.
posted by desjardins at 1:38 PM on October 11, 2007

Good sources for blank maps, desjardins.

But I have to disagree with the GIMP recommendation. Having to install X11, libraries, toolkits and then configuring the thing before you can even use it is not, I suspect, something the OP will be too comfortable with, considering they're fearful of using Illustrator.
posted by Thorzdad at 1:47 PM on October 11, 2007

I second Thorzdad's disagreement with GIMP. Eventually, you're going to have to learn Illustrator, and you might as well get started on the learning curve. GIMP, as primarily a "paint/photography" program isn't going to give you the flexibility that Illustrator will in drawing maps. A program like Inkscape or Lineform may also be a good place to start. (Disclosure: I haven't learned Illustrator yet. I was on FreeHand for too long.)

You might also want to watch here and see when Ortelius is released. It might be a nice first step before making the jump to Illustrator.
posted by printdevil at 2:52 PM on October 11, 2007

Don't fear Illustrator. Illustrator loves you and wants you to be happy.

Also, it's your best bet for accomplishing what you want to do.
posted by lekvar at 3:45 PM on October 11, 2007

Is it just maps you want to do this with? Could you import your vector maps into a GIS program? If the answer to these questions is 'yes', can I remember the name of the GIS program I installed on the computer that's not working at the moment??

... the answer to that last one would appear to be iMap, but unfortunately on rereading your question, I suspect it might not be what you're looking for. But you can download it for free, so it might be worth checking out?
posted by Lebannen at 4:38 PM on October 11, 2007

It totally depends on what you want to achieve. Perhaps this $19.99 application is just what you need: Meander
Routebuddy is another possibility, but it all depends on what your goal with the map is. If you are serious about making professional maps, Illustrator may not even be enough and you may want to look into Mapublisherwhich is a Map-plugin for Illustrator.
Did you search VersionTracker for Map-software already? There are a number of applications out there that may fit your needs better than any mentioned here.
posted by KimG at 4:43 PM on October 11, 2007

Why don't you just use OmniGraffle which you own, know and love? Just place the pdf on one layer and your annotations on another.
posted by nathan_teske at 6:49 PM on October 11, 2007

Seconding getting over your fear of Illustrator. It's not that bad if you sit down with it and just barrel through a few experimental sessions -- or find a friend who's more comfortable with it to show you the ropes.

When I needed to make some maps to include with my wedding invitations, I used Illustrator and the result was more than satisfactory. My starting point was a bunch of screenshots taken from Google Maps that I stitched together in Photoshop. Then in Illustrator, I just traced over the important bits with the path tool, beziered it for smoothness, and then adjusted line stroke widths as necessary. You can see the map here.
posted by pmbuko at 6:59 PM on October 11, 2007