Adobe Illustrator for Cartographers

This is a beginner tutorial for creating vector map illustrations in Adobe Illustrator. We’ll be demonstrating techniques for layering, line techniques, symbols, colors, legends, labels and overall design. The goal will be to learn to draw or recreate any map with your own look and feel.  

Outline of process:

• basics of design, creating your own image
• vector line work, Adobe Illustrator (vs Photoshop)
• vision, informative and/or aesthetic
• map sources (Google maps, GIS exports)
• layers
• color palette
• Brushes and line weights
• creating lines (pen tool)
• creating shapes
• detail and design, information, review
• labels & symbols
• using layers for flexible design, turning off layers
• legend, title, sources, north arrow, scale, and map codes