After 50+ years working as a cartographer, much of it dealing with complex reference maps for print as well as the online basemap work I do now, I’ve built-up quite a bit of experience. I’ve been through a number of technical and production evolutions (as I discuss here), and I’ve taken an active role in the transition from manual to digital to online work (and beyond).
So how do I do that? This is an attempt to write down some of the things I have learnt over those years. I’ve created a series of Story Maps looking at different aspects of how I work and how I think. They deal with my personal working methods, and they are by no means the only way of reaching a final product. Hopefully you find them useful, but ultimately you will need to work out what is best for you.
This blog links to them. There are two initially, with more to follow:
Planning and Executing a Map Project
Over time, I’ve developed my own techniques for getting started on a map or series of maps, and seeing the project through to its conclusion. This outlines what I have learnt.
Working with Color
I’ve been working as a map designer for most of my career. Starting in black and white, then working in color for print (CMYK), to on-screen (RGB) and now online (HEX), I’ve developed a deep understanding of how color works on maps. Here are some of the techniques I use.
Building for Vision Deficiency
(Coming Soon)
I’ve been designing maps for many years, but it is only recently that I have started to consider accessibility as part of my decision making. An admission though – not all of the maps I build, even now, are accessible! I try to do what I can, but it’s a learning process for me as well. These are some techniques and guidelines that I try to work with.
Maps and Printing
(Coming Soon)
It is only in the last 15 years that I’ve been working online. Before that my work was for print, and I’ve been in a good position to watch how things have changed. These are some of the techniques I used back in the ‘old’ days…
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