The above map shows some of my completed island mapping projects. Each icon contains the name of the primary island associated with the project and a link to the post. Once all of my projects are posted, the map will be covered with icons. To productively use the map, zoom into a region of interest. Then select an icon.

Each of my maps is constructed of numerous layers of information. All of the layers are vector files. I will make these files available upon request. You are free to use them with certain restrictions - 1) Don't sell them. You can use them on research projects, post them to your website or things of that nature. If you aren't sure about the use of my maps, drop me a line and we can discuss your idea. 2) Give me credit when you use my vectors or images of my maps. Credit them to Peter Minton @ EVS-Islands

If I have the island vector file(s) and based upon your need, I will make them available. Images of my maps are yours to download and use, with the above restrictions applicable. Enjoy!

Thursday, March 30, 2006

"How To Make a Map" - Landsat to Marplot to Maps

I am currently working on a Power Point Presentation that will detail the process I use to construct a digitized map. I create vector files within Global Mapper that are transformed, using Marplot, into my island maps. It is my ultimate intent to use this presentation to teach others "How To Make A Map".

How To Make a Map (1)
Select "How To Make a Map" and enjoy the slideshow. I still have more work to do. Consider this as phase one. I am using this presentation to teach students "How To Make a Map". I am sure I will continually refine it. If you find it useful or would like a copy of the slides / presentation, drop me a line.

Reworking the Layers

My EVS Layers. I have tweaked and twirled these layers over a 12-month period. The colors are what I frequently change. Trying to find the perfect color balance has not been an easy process. And I am still not satisfied with the colors...some of them, not all of them. For example, the EVS Land Arid is not dark enough. It looks okay (too light) on the screen, but when the map is printed the color is too light. I will get the right color eventually. My tweaking did not stop with the colors, but continued on with EVS Reef layers. Where I had six EVS Reef layers, now I have eight layers. These allow for a more accurate Reef definition. My EVS Vegetation layers now number four distinct layers. This group most likely will grow as I gain proficency at interpreting Landsat imagery. When I first began making EVS maps, I felt that if I could merely construct Enhanced Vector Shorelines that would satisfy my goal of creating a more detailed world shoreline map. However, working with the Pacific islands one must account for many additional layers of information (Reefs and Lagoons) that contribute to an island's ultimate geographic "footprint". I do not suspect that this will be the case as I map islands in other areas. I have mapped Greek islands and their shorelines are very straightforward. Layers of information can be added, but reef complexity, for example, does not apply to these islands. I am certain that I will tweak more layers. The maps I now create are solid cartographically. Plus, they look great too.

UNEP Islands and My Projects

I am now including data from UNEP Islands Web Site, a listing of over 2000 significant islands throughout the world. The selection criteria is found on their web site. I figure the data will enhance my posts. Before I go to far into including this data I have asked permission of the author of the web site. As soon as I get a confirmation from him, I'll include on a regular basis. So, for each island project you should find: 1) a Landsat Image 2) a color map 3) an outline map 4) US Sailing Direction information 4) UNEP data about the island 5) additional information about the island from other sources 6) plus my musings about my mapping efforts.

Why I Use Flickr

First, let me state that I like Blogger! I always feel that they give me solid support and service. The flexibility of their operation allows me to share my efforts with a broad audience. However, I did have one major gripe - their photo storage system and my ability to easily edit information was poor to nearly none-existent. I now post all of my images onto Flickr. When you select a posted image you are taken to my Flickr site. You can look at my original image and, if you wish, you can browse my other map projects. I purchased a Pro account ($19.00 a year) as it allows me virtually unlimited storage and I can create sets of my images. It is a good service (Flickr) and in conjunction with Blogger, enables the delivery of a good product. And truely, that is what life is about.

Mapping Progress in the Tuamotus

Southern Tuamotus Southern Tuamotus - Map Outline
It looks like I have finished mapping almost all of the Southern Tuamotus. I have completed maps on 23 of the islands. The four islands in the southeast are part of the Pitcairn Islands group (controlled by United Kingdom) . I still have 50+ atolls to complete. The secret to completing these maps is to stay steady. I am completing an island a night. This is the secret to success. Steady progress.

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    About me

    • I'm Mr Minton
    • From San Diego, CA
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