a4friends.com » Mapper’s guides

Mapper’s Framework

Pin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:01:46 +0000

Time	Milestone
Week 1	Map Locator
Week 2	History Timeline
Week 3	Weather Chart
Week 4	Map Layout / Structure of the destinations (street, river buildings, etc)
Week 5	Map Layout / Structure of the destinations (street, river buildings, etc)
Week 6	Place General Graphic Icons (including hospital, bank, church, etc) in Maps
Week 7	Place General Graphic Icons (including hospital, bank, church, etc) in Maps; Place location of Accommodation in Maps.
Week 8	Place location of Things To Do in Maps; Place location of Shopping and Dining in Maps
Week 9	Proof read Maps & create Tour Map(s)
Week 10	Final proof read Maps, touch up & to finalise
Week 11	Send all files in PDF format to DTP for compilation

Map revised every now and then to include new information and drawing mistakes.

The above timeframe is provided only as a guideline. Actual timeframe is to be decided by mappers based on their schedule and other personal commitments.

Once timeframe has been mutually agreed, a4trip managers will monitor writer’s performance and milestones delivery deadlines.

Each milestones is defined weekly as shown on the above timeframe, where there will be 14 milestones altogether.

Each milestones completed must be sent to Lina upon completion for quality inspection.

Mapper Style Guide
Sample City Map

Mappers’ talk

Pin — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 01:32:20 +0000

Henny asked, “For Bali map, I have 1 big map for the whole Bali and also few maps for each tourist area. I have few different source here and all are like that. So for a4trip do you think which one should be included in the guide? Follow those, 1 map for the whole Bali and few other map which is more detailed or just the detailed few areas or the map for whole? I’ve already taken a look at SR map but I think its the different case with this one. (i’ve attached some map).”

Lina answered, “You may ignore the main map (Bali) and do only the sub maps (Kuta & Sanur)”.

Henny asked, “And also how big the map should be?”

Lina replied, “A4. Can I suggest you to create each sub map in A5 size so that you can fit 2 maps in 1 A4, that’s if the maps aren’t too cluttered.”

Henny asked “and how big the grip should be?”

Lina answered “Grid system can be arbitrary, so its up to you. As long as keep the grid system square grid (i.e. 2 x 2cm)”

Henny asked. “What does the “Greenish” part of the map means? I believe its Dry land ?”

Lina answered, “Dry land or field.”

Henny asked, “What about the Light Blue area? WHat do they mean?”

Lina answered. “Light blue is for major area such as the buidling and town structure, as I’ve thought blue is a more soothing colour for readers.”

Henny asked, “She mentioned that Dark Blue is for Lakes and Rivers.. What about Seas and Straits? What colour should they be?”

Lina answered “I haven’t come across seas or straits yet, perhaps darker blue or turquoise? Please choose any colour you are comfortable with, choice is yours.”

Map layering in Illustrator

Pin — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:45:41 +0000

Lina says, ”Well, I’ve figured to screen cap the steps to create the map may help you. Actually, its not difficult to draw or rather ‘trace’ the map if you are familiar with Adobe Illustrator. Perhaps I should send you an A.I format of the map whereby you can understand the ‘layering’ better. ”

“The process is quite simple but can be time consuming. Firstly, when a sample map (existing map) is given to you, you will need to trace the structure or outline. However, you will need to omit existing information such as hotels, restaurants, clubs etc and remain street/road names and other important landmarks. Then come plotting. The tricky part is to find the respective markings on the map. A lot of googling need to be done in order to locate them and when you can’t find them seek help from other team mates.. ;) ”

Layer 1: Background (which serves as a based)
Layer 2: Streets
Layer 3: Streets (lakes, river.. or similar)
Layer 4: Main road
Layer 5: Grid & Legend
Layer 6: Text (street/road names, markings, graphic icon..)

Point to Ponder for A4Trip’s Graphic Designers

Pin — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:25:04 +0000

For each A4Trip’s Guidebook, the graphic designers for each location would need to design and draw following items:

Map from airport to travel destination
Map of travel destination
Routes for touring around travel destination
Sunshine chart, average monthly rainfall, temperature chart for the travel destination
Timeline (history) of the travel destination
Locator map – a highlight of the travel destination from the map of the country
Star sights – Put a “Star” at the featured hotel or sightseeing etc…
How to use this guide – DTP designer has to plan and write how to use this guide

Note that all above mentioned shouldn’t have any blog post.