27 replies to this topic

[Nick Springer]

I have restarted this poll to increase it's visibility and because I wanted change the choices to be more representative.

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Maps often pass through a number of applications before they are finished. I would like to know which application people use most often to do the bulk of their map DESIGN work.

[Richard]

Just curious why Canvas GIS doesn't get a mention here? I know it fits in Other app, but its more GIS oriented than just AI or Corel?
regards Richard

[Hans van der Maarel]

Good point, I know this poll was started years ago, so maybe Canvas wasn't a viable option at that time. I did try it once, but it wasn't able to pull me away from my favourite Illy/MAPublisher combo

[rudy]

I'm not quite sure how to answer this question. Our shop primarily uses Freehand, but I don't. I occasionally use Illustrator at the office and at home and CorelDraw at home. Now, if I had my choice, my mapping software of choice would be ArcMap . . . but the office isn't there yet.

[David T]

I began my career using Freehand, and occasionally Illustrator to design maps. For the last 4 1/2 years, I've been using ArcGIS exclusively in my 'day job'.

My command only has a license for ArcGIS. No Illustrator or Freehand license for me here. And they do not want to add one here, for fear that it would make it harder to hire in for this position, including Illustator/Freehand as another skill needed for the position.

The challenge for me, cartographically, has been to bring those cartographic sensibilities to ArcGIS. It can be done. You just have to give it a chance.

[ernesto_carreras]

I began using Surfer and MapViewer 4....but that was awhile ago. Now I use ArcGIS to produce my maps. I believe that ArcGIS has a lot of potential for map-making. Even though I try to challenge myself in not having to go outside of ArcMap to achieve my goals, sometimes I have to.

[jerseysbest]

Basic layout is done in ArcMap, but it is limited, and somewhat cumbersome to work with when you have a lot of elements. Finish work is done in Illustrator.

[Jimbo]

My projects involved a combination of ArcGIS software for the production of the data with the Graphics software package CorelDraw providing the finished product. I didn't care much for 3D & Spatial Analyst for the creation of the hillshade because I had found the quality was lacking therefore Topogrid was & thanks to a handy AML script the work was done quickly & easily.

[evilsmithsonian]

Just curious why Canvas GIS doesn't get a mention here? I know it fits in Other app, but its more GIS oriented than just AI or Corel?
regards Richard

I Checked with ADC, who owns Canvas now, being that the software combines GIS and the illustration capabilities of Adobe Illustrator and it sounded perfect for cartography. The one huge element missing in the program is that it does not have the capability to generate a street (for that matter, any other item on the map) index. The combination of MapPublisher and Adobe Illustrator can but it is quite pricey once it is all set up.

[bruce]

In my limited experience I have used ArcMap exclusively. I had the opportunity recently to acquire Adobe CS3 bundled with Illustrator and Photoshop for a good price. So, now I am learning to use AI and PS. I have read everything on this forum and Avzenza's website regarding MAPublisher. I have not found anything on CartoTalk about Geographic Imager. Can anyone elaborate on that...? Thanks

[Jimbo]

I had the opportunity recently to acquire Adobe CS3 bundled with Illustrator and Photoshop for a good price.

Where? I'm looking for both packages, if I can get both of them in a bundle I'm all there.

So, now I am learning to use AI and PS. I have read everything on this forum and Avzenza's website regarding MAPublisher. I have not found anything on CartoTalk about Geographic Imager.

Good point but then I haven't heard anything on a GIS called Map Professional or Gratis. I have done the same with MaPublisher, rate now it's a very expensive package for a starting cartographer, overtime though I hope to incorporate both Publisher & Imager through the $1500 bundle package. BTW if I'm reading Avenza correctly is the license really $2200?

[ac_geographer]

I use exclusively ArcMap for my day to day work load. But, I do feel that using Illustrator w/ Mapublisher is best for creating higher end maps than ArcGIS.

[Richard]

Just curious why Canvas GIS doesn't get a mention here? I know it fits in Other app, but its more GIS oriented than just AI or Corel?
regards Richard

I Checked with ADC, who owns Canvas now, being that the software combines GIS and the illustration capabilities of Adobe Illustrator and it sounded perfect for cartography. The one huge element missing in the program is that it does not have the capability to generate a street (for that matter, any other item on the map) index. The combination of MapPublisher and Adobe Illustrator can but it is quite pricey once it is all set up.

I agree it falls behind MAPublisher but for the price it does a lot. I'd suggest its a very good option for those that are on a rather tight budget.
Automation features can be a real time saver and Canvas is let down somewhat here.
regards, Richard

[MostlyHarmless]

I voted ArcGIS, but I have recently gotten into Inkscape for some map creation.

[JoeFraser]

I'm wondering how many folks use AutoCad Map 3D for map creation. I'm in first year Carto at COGS and we have a course on it. Does anyone prefer this program to others? Can anyone outline the strengths of AutoCad in mapping?

The reason I ask is because learning doesn't come easy to someone unaccustomed to the program, as the commands can be elusive, buried in menus and sub-menus, coloring and queries are overly complicated - the list goes on. I'm looking for a silver lining here, something to act as a cushion while I bang my head against the wall that is AutoCad Map 3D!