8 replies to this topic

[Mike Breiding]

Greetings,

I posted a map sample over in the Map Gallery.

It was suggested I try differentiating the stream network by using a tapered brush in AI CS2.

Not knowing how to do this I tried adjusting the line weights to represent stream flow.

In the attached fill there is one stream section which is all sized to 1pt - this is on the left. The other section uses different line weights of .50, .75 and 1.25pt.

The questions are:
Is the adequate to represent stream flow?
Are the line weights significantly different enough to actually be discernable when process printed on glossy stock?

-Mike

Attached Files

•  streams.png   25.83K   174 downloads

[Dennis McClendon]

Are the line weights significantly different enough to actually be discernable when process printed on glossy stock?

Yes, indeed. 0.3 pt is about the minimum I use, but the eye can perceive--even if it can't identify-- three or four widths between 0.3 and 1 point. And look how much more easily one follows the network of different line weights.

FreeHand doesn't have the tapered line capability, so this is exactly how I do stream networks. I give the lines rounded ends, so no gaps can ever appear. And I try to make line weight changes at logical locations, such as at junctions or just upstream of large bends.

[Mike Breiding]

Are the line weights significantly different enough to actually be discernable when process printed on glossy stock?

Yes, indeed. 0.3 pt is about the minimum I use, but the eye can perceive--even if it can't identify-- three or four widths between 0.3 and 1 point. And look how much more easily one follows the network of different line weights.

FreeHand doesn't have the tapered line capability, so this is exactly how I do stream networks. I give the lines rounded ends, so no gaps can ever appear. And I try to make line weight changes at logical locations, such as at junctions or just upstream of large bends.

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Thanks for your feed back, it is most encouraging.
-Mike

[Matthew Hampton]

I just looked in AICS2 for the "Tapered Brush" and found it in the "Artistic_Ink" Brush Library.

After fiddling with it for a few minutes, I am very impressed. It seems to behave very organically and adjusts width based on line-length as well as the number of points in a segment.

Most of the mpas I make are derived from GIS data so the segments must be joined and/or smoothed (see Rick Johnson's "Concatenate" plug-in), but it produces a nice effect.

I think it would add a very nice artistic touch to those who generate streams from scratch (you can even apply it to AI's magic pencil tool).
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Matthew

[Martin Gamache]

 hydro.gif   3.37K   201 downloads

[Matthew Hampton]

That's nearly the same as what I did...
 tapered_lines2.gif   30.97K   180 downloads

[Mike Breiding]

Hi Matthew,

I briefly played around with the Tapered Brush. Might be a good choice for some - but not for me. I would go nuts trying to paint all the streams for then entire watershed!

What do you mean "(you can even apply it to AI's magic pencil tool)."

Thanks,
-Mike

I just looked in AICS2 for the "Tapered Brush" and found it in the "Artistic_Ink" Brush Library.

After fiddling with it for a few minutes, I am very impressed.  It seems to behave very organically and adjusts width based on line-length as well as the number of points in a segment.

Most of the mpas I make are derived from GIS data so the segments must be joined and/or smoothed (see Rick Johnson's "Concatenate" plug-in), but it produces a nice effect.

I think it would add a very nice artistic touch to those who generate streams from scratch (you can even apply it to AI's magic pencil tool).
__
Matthew

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[Mike Breiding]

That's nearly the same as what I did...
 tapered_lines2.gif   30.97K   180 downloads

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Interesting - sure gives a hand drawn look. Much nicer than the machine like sameness of GIS generated lines.

Did you draw this from scratch or trace over an image or existing lines?

I had a lot of trouble controlling the line width and length of taper.
I tried to draw a tapered end on some existing stream segments and found it very difficult to match the stroke size.

What is the point of choosing the line weight of the brush by % in stead of a px size?

Thanks,

-Mikr

[Matthew Hampton]

Did you draw this from scratch or trace over an image or existing lines?

I was just playing around and did this from scratch.

I tried to draw a tapered end on some existing stream segments and found it very difficult to match the stroke size.

I think matching a tapered segment to the end of a line would be esp. difficult. The lines I drew were done using a tapered stroke for the full length of the line.

What is the point of choosing the line weight of the brush by % in stead of a px size?

I am not too sure what you mean by that. Are you referring to the % in the Art Brush Options?

I leave that at 100% and make sure the Proportional box is checked as this gives you the variances based on stroke length and # of points in a segment.  Picture_21.png   34.36K   156 downloads