The Mapping Specialist

Vol XI, No. 1 - Winter 2003

Contents | In Focus | Mapmaking | Geonews | Profile | Relay for Life | Employee

MAPMAKING
MSL & GIS Map a New World

Until recently, GIS (Geographical Information Systems) at Mapping Specialists has been more of a tool for conversion of data in various GIS file formats to a file that can be used to create base maps in Adobe Illustrator.  A combination of commercial software, free software, MSL-developed custom software, and techniques for non-GIS software is used to convert the data.  In order to expand the uses of GIS data and to provide a greater variety of services to our clients and customers, MSL has purchased a GIS workstation utilizing ArcGIS 8.

With regard to data conversion, there are Census TIGER files (Fig. 1), and USGS DLGs (Fig. 2) (1:100,000 scale) that are transformed through a custom conversion on the Mac.  DLG and TIGER data are usually used for street map bases.  With ArcGIS, more information can be extracted from the TIGER files, as well as converting the 1:24,000 scale DLGs.  The conversion of USGS DEMs (Fig. 3) can be executed by using two different methods: if no transformation of data is needed, a freeware Mac application called MacDEM is used; if transformation is required, then ArcGIS is employed.  DEMs are used to create relief shading that can be finished in either Arc GIS or Adobe Photoshop (Fig. 4).

Click images for larger samples

With ArcGIS, there are new possibilities for data conversion in addition to squeezing more out of TIGER and DLG data.  One data set purchased is VMap0, a worldwide vector base at 1:1 million scale that replaces the old Digital Chart of the World.  GLOBE DEM, covering the world at roughly 1:5 million scale, has also been purchased.  Lastly, there is the National Elevation Dataset, a seamless DEM of the United States built from the 1:24,000 DEMs.  And, of course, we often get GIS data from clients that are much easier to convert with ArcGIS.

Other uses for GIS are also being explored.  Once data are imported into Illustrator, the information attached to the GIS data is usually lost using MSL's original data conversion process.  However, with the Illustrator plug-in MAPublisher, GIS data can be converted into Illustrator format retaining the GIS attributes.  Then, the data can be exported to a GIS format for further processing in ArcGIS.

MSL's Wisconsin Lake Map product line is an example of how GIS base data are exported to Illustrator, lake bathymetry and hydrography digitized, and then exported back to ArcGIS to generate shaded relief.  After the relief image is completed, it is then exported back into Illustrator where it is merged with other map information.

ArcGIS and Illustrator are also used for rectifying scans of old maps before digitizing and mosaicking.  The final map, in addition to being used for printing, is rasterized with Photoshop and georeferenced in Illustrator so that it can be used with any GIS compatible software.

MSL continually experiments with new ideas, either at the request of current clients or as part of regular research and development.  The experiments also streamline existing processes.  Currently, an internal world base derived from VMap0 data is being developed.  The map base will be maintained in GIS form so that it can be easily used for the thematic mapping needs of clients.  Other ideas being explored include "fly-bys," cross-sectional views, perspective views, land area calculations, geocoding, and cartograms.  A map server program is also being developed for MSL's topographic map products that will allow a prospective buyer to select an area of interest and create a listing of the topographic quadrangles to fit this need.

Through extensive development, MSL is simplifying the complex world of GIS.  These processes can and will improve your maps.  Give Dave Knipfer a call to see how MSL and GIS can improve your maps and bottom line.

- Alan Craig &
William Kyngesburye

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