6 replies to this topic

[anna_]

Hi all,

New to this cartography and mapping thingy. I am not sure what program I am looking for. Can you advice?

Here is what I want to do:

I want to make a map of Sweden, showing roads, cities and perhaps some topography for a nice look, but the infrastructure is the most important aspect. On this map, I want to mark certain cities, and draw transportation routes along the roads between cities. I want to mark some airports and make air-routes as well, but illustrating a road transportation net is the main thing.

Can I use google earth for this, or do I need a more specific program? I prefer free software or a trial version, as this is a short logistics project. The best thing would be if I could import a map of sweden containing the road-net, and then just mark the roads I want along with some end-points.

Help a noob out. =)

[Jimbo]

Hi all,

New to this cartography and mapping thingy. I am not sure what program I am looking for. Can you advice?

Here is what I want to do:

I want to make a map of Sweden, showing roads, cities and perhaps some topography for a nice look, but the infrastructure is the most important aspect. On this map, I want to mark certain cities, and draw transportation routes along the roads between cities. I want to mark some airports and make air-routes as well, but illustrating a road transportation net is the main thing.

Can I use google earth for this, or do I need a more specific program? I prefer free software or a trial version, as this is a short logistics project. The best thing would be if I could import a map of sweden containing the road-net, and then just mark the roads I want along with some end-points.

Help a noob out. =)

Here check out this topic, all your mapping software needs as far as freebies should be answered here:

http://www.cartotalk...;hl=open source

[ELeFevre]

Anna,
I recommend Google Earth or somehting like Microsoft mappoint. Many of those open-source applications in the post above i.e GRASS would be overkill. Go simple!

[MapMedia]

Assuming you are not creating a detailed street map, or atlas, I would draw it in a drawing program (i.e. Illustrator) - find a good map or maps (hardcopy or digital) and draw your own map from scratch.

[kay]

Hi, Anna. It sounds like you have an exciting mapping project
Are you planning to publish your map on the web, in a digital format (pdf etc) or with hard copy (paper)?

My mapping projects usually involve producing paper maps and now I am getting involved in making maps for web pages (like Flash maps). So... I now use the combination of Adobe Illustrator and MAPublisher... I like the tools in Adobe Illustrator... then I usually use some GIS data when creating maps. MAPublisher will allow to import GIS datasets to Adobe Illustrator... then we can play all the graphics in Adobe Illustrator. Then if I need to make a web map, I can use MAP web author tool with MAPublisher.

I use other softwares (like ArcGIS and Idrisi) at work when I have to deal with some analysis (such as geo-spatial statistics and some spatial interpolation (like creating contour lines or reclassifying some images).

If I do not have to analyses data, I usually stick with Adobe Illustrator and MAPublisher.... I believe both have the trial version if you wish to take a look at them

It is my experience.... but I hope this helps you a bit

Good luck, Anna!
Kay

[frax]

Hej Anna (Swedish?)
I would strongly suggest buying an existing map, or buying the service. Preparing this may not be as easy/obvious as you might think - with learning new software, and converting or buying data (or searching for free data)

[Maptitude]

The Maptitude mapping software has world mapping capabilities for Sweden that may well meet your needs:

http://www.caliper.c...ing/default.htm