New Member - New to Graphic Editors - Map

[RobA]

Howdy James!

If you have any specific question on Inkscape (or GIMP) feel free to PM if you don't want to post.....(but I might post the reply so everyone can reap the benefits).

I have been doing mapping in a combination of Inkscape and GIMP. I try to do all my layout in Inkscape because of the flexibility you get in vector. Inkscape can get pretty slow, especially if you have a lot of detail, however.

The big thing to make Inkscape less cartoony is picking a good colour palette rather than the default. If you click on the little arrow at the right of the colour picker, you will get a whole bunch of palette choices. Take a look at some of them. Additionally, I have made a custom palette for mapping based on Don's tutorial on city mapping that avoids eye clash.

So my current workflow is to load up the Inkscape SVG image into gimp for post processing, (bringing in all the paths as well, for simplified selections and stroking). An example of this workflow was my Niagara map). I am working on map in only Inkscape (see my Canal City thread) for a play-by-play. The use of blur really helps make the map look less like a cartoon.

Lastly, I would suggest you download and watch every one of these Inkscape Screencasts. While none are specific to mapping, they are a great supplement to learning Inkscape.

You might like you mountains better if you leave off the bottom stroke and fill them wit a gradient (colour at the top to transparent/background at the bottom)

-Rob (getting verbose again) A>

[RPMiller]

Since you have already been properly greeted I'll say say hello.

And give you a critique (what you think I would let you go without giving you one? )

Other than agreeing with the above comments, you may also want to look at your rivers. A common mistake that I got called on myself is having a river split downstream. While there are slight exceptions to the rule, this is not normal for rivers unless there is some sort of significant geological barrier to prevent it from flowing as a single entity.

[jasmith]

Thanks to everyone for their comments and critiques. I plan on beginning another version shortly, after I've spent some more time playing with Inkscape and GIMP.

James

[pyrandon]

Great, James! If you have questions make sure to post 'em & we'll try to help. And make sure to update us on your progress!!!!