Cartographic help

BruceJ · Nov 21, 2007

I posted this on the Historical Writing board, too, but thought this forum might reach a little wider audience.

It's been suggested that I include a map in my WIP (ancient Palestine) to help the reader track the movements of the story. I'd like to create my own map, or tailor an existing template, with the features and placenames relevant to my story. Anybody have a suggestion on a good cartographic tool, or source, that won't kill my budget, but that puts out a decent product?

Many thanks in advance.

nessam · Nov 21, 2007

Maybe google earth? I get the free one. Maybe when you pay for them you can do more with them.

BruceJ · Nov 21, 2007

nessam said:
Maybe google earth? I get the free one. Maybe when you pay for them you can do more with them.

Thanks, nessem. I had Google Earth on my laptop, but only took an initial cruise around. I didn't know you could manipulate any of the maps...or do you mean copy them as images and use a graphics tool to add features?

BruceJ · Nov 21, 2007

tallus83 said:
Check the National Geographic website.

They also have map software that is rather extensive. I'm sure it would have what you are looking for.

Thanks, too, tallus. I did check their Web site. I'll have another look.

blacbird · Nov 21, 2007

Pen. Paper. My guess is that's how Ursula LeGuin did it for her Earthsea saga. Seems to work pretty well.

caw

Lyra Jean · Nov 21, 2007

I hope this isn't derailing....

I also have a map question: I need a futuristic map of the Earth with the ocean levels 250 ft higher than they are today. In my story Global Warming worst scenario happened. The Greenland and Antarctic icecaps have melted.

The only thing I have thought of is buying some contour maps and coloring them in. Anyway have any better ideas or resources. I suck at drawing.

BruceJ · Nov 21, 2007

blacbird said:
Pen. Paper. My guess is that's how Ursula LeGuin did it for her Earthsea saga. Seems to work pretty well.

caw

Oh, man! Am I a victim of technology, or what? That's the one thing I didn't even think of.

Thanks, Blac.

FennelGiraffe · Nov 21, 2007

rosemerry said:
I also have a map question: I need a futuristic map of the Earth with the ocean levels 250 ft higher than they are today. In my story Global Warming worst scenario happened. The Greenland and Antarctic icecaps have melted.

The only thing I have thought of is buying some contour maps and coloring them in. Anyway have any better ideas or resources. I suck at drawing.

How detailed do you need? And do you just need to look at it or do you need to use a copy of it? Take a look at this: http://merkel.zoneo.net/Topo/Applet/

ETA: Also this: http://fermi.jhuapl.edu/globe/

ETA2: Here are seriously cool maps: http://www.globalwarmingart.com/wiki/Sea_Level_Rise_Maps_Gallery

Lyra Jean · Nov 21, 2007

FennelGiraffe where did you find these. They will work awesome for what I want. Thanks!

FennelGiraffe · Nov 21, 2007

rosemerry said:
FennelGiraffe where did you find these. They will work awesome for what I want. Thanks!

Google: map sea level change

I think that's the search string I used. Something like that, at least.

Cartographic help

BruceJ

Me and my Muse

nessam

practical experience, FTW

BruceJ

Me and my Muse

BruceJ

Me and my Muse

blacbird

Lyra Jean

Two years old now.

BruceJ

Me and my Muse

FennelGiraffe

It's green they say

Lyra Jean

Two years old now.

FennelGiraffe

It's green they say