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How do I do that?

By Andy Skinner

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 ArcGIS StoryMaps stories 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 article links to them.

 

Southeast Pennsylvania, comparing print-ready maps with online basemaps

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.

 

 

 

Part of the LA Metro area, showing a transition from a monochrome map to full color

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.

 

 

 

INverness, UK, showing a transition from full color to a representation of color vision deficiency

Building for Vision Deficiency

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.

 

LAnd Use map of Chicago, showing the 4 CMYK color separations

Maps and Printing

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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