When requesting a custom map from Cartisan we want you to be fully aware of all the options - our entire staff, from sales to map making, will work with you to create your perfect map. But if you're simply doing your research right now, we'd like to introduce a few map options to you.

There are two variables which dictate much of the maps progress. The first of these is size. Our cartographers can work in the minutest of detail. However, if your final product is to be printed on a single sheet of letter-sized paper our best highest detail would be inappropriate for you. In a situation like that, intricate road networks, coastlines and boundaries become crammed together into dense eyesores. On the opposite side, if your intention is a wall map, then we have much more area to in which to portray switchbacks, coves, and river bends. Once we've determined the size you need, we'll make sure your map has the right amount of detail for the situation.

The second major consideration is if your final product will be printed or used digitally. Based on that which you intend for your map, Cartisan's map staff will choose colors, effects, fonts and file structures that will be appropriate. If it is a digital product, we strive to keep a minimal file size, so your map will load quickly on a variety of computers and operating systems. Also, due to inherent differences in computer monitors and printers, colors and line widths can appear drastically dissimilar. If your map is to be integrated into another product, we can deliver our map in a variety of file formats to suit your needs. Thus, we design for your specific use.

Beyond these two options, there are a multitude of other variables for your maps which we will list here:

Key: Does your map need an integrated key, or "index". If so, shall it appear on the map itself, or as a separate image to be displayed on the side? In other circumstances, we've also had clients translate the information in the map's key into their text or as a caption below the image. At the heart of our maps, we strive to intuitively design our maps, using symbols, color schemes, and styles that can be understood without the need of a key.

Scale Bar: It may come to a surprise, but depending on a number of variables in a map, scale bars can only be somewhat correct. This comes down to the problem of translating a three-dimensional object (the earth) onto a piece of paper (your map). Despite this issue, our cartographer's are skilled and can come up with the correct way to display your map's scale.

Symbols and Icons: Our cartographer's are inherently skilled in graphic design, and are able to develop customized symbols and icons to be used on your map. Sometimes a simplified or abstract representation of information is more easily understood by your map's audience. A prime example of this is topography. Shaded relief of mountain ranges may work great with adults and high school students, but we've found that younger children are quicker to interpret drawn symbols of mountains. On top of creating solutions in this manner, our designers bring with them international experience from working and living abroad, which enhances our ability to design cross-culturally for a broad range of situations and audiences.

North Arrow: Similar to the issue of the scale bar, sometimes your map may not need a north arrow. We'll help you decide if it does, and then create an original north arrow design that compliments your map's purpose.

Fonts: One of the major lessons for a cartographer is that their map doesn't come to life until after text is placed on it. Often this can be one of the biggest challenges in creating a custom map. Text must be legible, well placed, coherent, and give tribute to the rest of the map. In this effort, we employ a font database of thousands of options, from traditional to avante garde, and including many non-Roman scripts.

Aerial and Satellite Imagery: The ability to integrate realistic "bird's-eye views" into a map has become much more available in recent years. Beyond the added detail, this type of information can be used to create planimetrics (object outlines, such as for buildings, roads, or vegetation regions). While we haven't yet purchased our own satellite, or airplane, we can procure detailed images from around the world, and if needed, during a specific time span.

Remote Sensing: Remote sensing is a broad data category that surpasses typical aerial and satellite images that appear as photographs. Remote sensing includes data that was collected away from the surface, often using aircraft or satellites. It can include land and water surface temperatures, vegetation type and extent, and climate assessments.

Topography: Adding topography or elevation information can often be a wonderful enhancement to a map. It can fill in empty regions, or provide a key for understanding why information is different in areas. For a striking display, we can transform elevation information into a three-dimensional model, overlaid with a variety of information including aerial photography, roads, and vegetation.

Graticule: Graticules are composed of longitude and latitude lines, such as the Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, and Prime Meridian. We can display these on any map at a custom interval to suit your purposes best.

Reference Grid and Index: Different, but similar to a graticule, a reference grid divides your map into a pattern to assist in finding specific locations. Often, there's a row of letters along the top, and numbers along one of the sides. The grid at the intersection of column B is row 9 is referred to as "B9". On top of creating the reference grid, we can create a list of the locations displayed on your maps, such as buildings, streets, and cities, and attribute them to the grid that they are found in. By referring to an index sheet, your map's audience can quickly find locations important to them for navigation or general interest.

Architectural Sketches: Perhaps you want to highlight your office building, or provide illustrations of landmarks around a city; Cartisan is able to perform such work and place it correctly on your map, blending it in with the rest of the map design.

Map Type: While the look of the custom map we design for you is ultimately limited only to your needs, our creativity, and good old common sense, traditionally most maps fit into a few categories. This can be viewed in our Resources area, by clicking here.

Charts and Infographics: Maps are all about presenting data, but sometimes your information can have a much stronger impact when viewed as complimentary to a map. This situation can happen when combining a number of strong variables, or when information is not directly related or of a spatial extent. Bridging this gap, Cartisan can provide the graphic design work to create your chart or infographic.

Animated and Interactive: Our map staff can work with you to create an experience around your map by using a variety of methods, including Flash, SVG, or HTML. We can make it possible to zoom in and out, pan, and display layered information. With our GIS options, we can even build in a transportation routing system. We can do all this in scenarios such as your public website, private intranets, or individual workstations.

If you wish to discuss any of these options or request an estimate for your mapping project, please contact us at maps@cartisan.com.