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Yearly Archives: 2017

Best Practices for Processing and Importing Maps into the Avenza Maps App

Blog

Avenza Maps is capable of importing and displaying georeferenced maps in several different formats. The app processes a map by rasterizing and tiling it on import. The speed and result of processing will vary depending on the type of file used and the size and dimensions. We’ll discuss the types of files allowed and the advantages of each.

Usually larger files take longer to process than smaller ones with some exceptions. An image may have a very high resolution but a small disk size due to image compression. It is recommended that images be less than 100 megapixels for upload to the app. A geospatial PDF file with many vector features may also take a long time to process. In this case, you should convert the file to an image to avoid having to rasterize vector data in the app.

Maps can be loaded into the app faster by processing them before import. Maps can also be preprocessed by uploading them to the Avenza Maps Store or using the Export to Avenza Maps tool in Geographic Imager or MAPublisher.

Comparison of Allowed File Types

GeoTIFF

A GeoTIFF is a TIFF file (Tagged Image File Format) with spatial information embedded in the file. This format is typically the preferred format for uploading directly to Avenza Maps without preprocessing. Since this is an image format, the app doesn’t need to rasterize the file on import meaning processing times will generally be faster compared to PDF’s, and it will maintain the native resolution.

It is also possible to import a normal TIFF file by zipping it with a TIFF World File (TFW) and either a WKT or PRJ file which contains projection information. It is best not to do this for the sake of simplicity. Usually, any GIS software that can produce a world file will also be able to save to GeoTIFF.

Geospatial PDF

A Geospatial PDF stores spatial data in either raster or vector format as well as associated attributes and layer information. Files should comply with the Adobe Acrobat PDF 1.7 specification which has been standard since 2006.

Avenza Maps rasterizes geospatial PDF files on import which discards layer and attribute information. PDF files typically take longer to process than image files. There is also a chance that the file may process incorrectly (e.g. discarding labels).

Despite this, there are some instances when it may be preferable to use a geospatial PDF file. For example, the map may already be in this format and isn’t worthwhile to convert to another format. Geospatial PDF files tend to be smaller than image files so they would be a good solution if device storage space or download speed is an issue. Also, occasionally converting from PDF to TIFF degrades the image quality and may make maps illegible.

To ensure a geospatial PDF file has a good balance between size and quality, open the file in Adobe Acrobat and go to Advanced > PDF Optimizer. This is especially helpful if the map contains large raster images.

JPEG

JPEG is an image format like TIFF but it does not have the ability to store spatial information. To load a JPEG into Avenza Maps, it must be zipped with a JPEG World File (JGW) and either WKT or PRJ file. JPEG files are compressed so this may be an option to consider if file size is a consideration, however, a better alternative would be to compress a GeoTIFF file.

Processing Maps with MAPublisher, Geographic Imager, and the Map Store

It is best to process maps before loading them into the app because desktop computers are more powerful than mobile devices. It also avoids having to process the file each time the map is loaded onto a device. Geographic Imager and MAPublisher each have a utility to export to an Avenza Maps package with the capability to upload directly to the Avenza Map Store if you have a vendor account.

Running these utilities produces a folder that contains a ZIP file with a thumbnail to show a preview of the map, a reference file, and a folder called tiles that contains a tiled version of the map in PNG format. This ZIP file can be imported into the app in the same way as other files.

Uploading a map to the Avenza Map Store processes the map the same way. To use the store, register a vendor account on the Avenza Maps website.

Handling GeoJSON Files with Unspecified Projected Coordinate Systems

Blog

In the latest GeoJSON specification (2016), the coordinate reference system for all coordinates is a geographic coordinate reference system—using the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) datum—with longitude and latitude units of decimal degrees. The previous specification (2008) allowed for the use of alternative coordinates systems, but this was removed because of interoperability issues.

MAPublisher still recognizes GeoJSON files with a specified coordinate system even though it is no longer officially supported. However, if no coordinate system is specified, MAPublisher will assume the coordinates are in WGS 84. Occasionally, this may cause a problem of improperly formatted files that contain projected coordinates but have no specified coordinate system. In this case, users will need to either choose a coordinate system during import or modify the GeoJSON file by adding a coordinate reference system (CRS) object manually.

Selecting a Coordinate System on Import

To change the coordinate system using the Import dialog box, click Advanced and select the WGS 84 link under Coordinate System. Ignore the warning about changing the coordinate system by clicking “Replace coordinate system”. Select the correct projected coordinate system from the list.

 

Modifying the GeoJSON File Manually

Coordinate reference systems can be specified in a GeoJSON file using a CRS object. You can view the contents of any GeoJSON file by opening it in a text editor such as Notepad. Copy and paste the text below after the line: “type”: “FeatureCollection”, (usually on line 2). Change the EPSG number to the correct CRS for your dataset. See Spatialreference.org to lookup an EPSG code.

"crs":
{
   "type" : "name",
   "properties" :
   {
      "name" : "EPSG:[EPSG Code]"
   }
},

Example:

The GeoJSON file can now be read properly by MAPublisher and can be imported as normal.

Avenza Releases Geographic Imager 5.2 for Adobe Photoshop

News

Connect to Esri® ArcGIS Online within Adobe Photoshop to import image layers

Toronto, ON, February 7, 2017 – Avenza Systems Inc., producers of the Avenza Maps app for mobile devices and geospatial plug-ins for Adobe Creative Cloud, including MAPublisher® for Adobe Illustrator®, is pleased to announce the release of Geographic Imager 5.2 for Adobe Photoshop®. This latest update includes many new features including full compatibility with the latest Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud 2017 release.

This Geographic Imager release also introduces the ability to import spatial image layers directly from Esri’s ArcGIS Online accounts and web services into Adobe Photoshop enabling users to harness Geographic Imager’s and Adobe Photoshop’s tools to edit georeferenced high-resolution imagery.

“This release means that both Geographic Imager and MAPublisher are fully compatible with Adobe CC 2017 and have ArcGIS Online integrated,” said Ted Florence, President of Avenza. “We’re continuously providing more ways for our users to import their data into an excellent map design environment,” he added. “Avenza software covers your needs from any point in your mapping workflow, including output to mobile devices.”

Enhancements and new features of Geographic Imager 5.2

  • Fully compatible with the latest Adobe Photoshop CC 2017
  • Sign-in and import Map Image Layers, Tile Layers, and web services from ArcGIS Online with complete spatial referencing
  • ENVI HDR Raster and DEM support
  • Tiling improvements and optimizations
  • Various user interface and usability enhancements

 

More about Geographic Imager for Adobe Photoshop

Geographic Imager for Adobe Photoshop leverages the superior image editing capabilities of the world’s premier raster-based image editing software and transforms it into a powerful geospatial production tool. Work with satellite imagery, aerial photographs, orthophotos, and DEMs in GeoTIFF and other major GIS image formats using Adobe Photoshop features such as transparencies, filters, and image adjustments while maintaining georeferencing and support for hundreds of coordinate systems and projections.

Geographic Imager 5.2 is immediately available and free of charge to all current Geographic Imager Maintenance Program members and at US$319 for non-maintenance upgrades. New fixed licenses start at US$699. Geographic Imager Basic licenses start at US$99. Academic, floating and volume license pricing is also available. Visit www.avenza.com/geographic-imager for more details.

More about Avenza Systems Inc.

Avenza Systems Inc. is an award-winning, privately held corporation that provides cartographers and GIS professionals with powerful software tools to make better maps. In addition to software offerings for Mac and Windows users, Avenza offers value-added data sets, product training and consulting services, as well as the Avenza Maps app for purchasing and using maps on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Visit www.avenza.com for more details.

For further information contact:
416-487-5116
info@avenza.com
www.avenza.com

Cleanup Lines With MAPublisher Trim and Extend Tools

Blog

The latest release of MAPublisher includes the ability to trim and extend objects to a crossing or intersecting path. Extending a path lengthens it to meet the edge of a crossing object and trimming a path cuts the portion that extends past the edge of an intersecting path. Trim and extend tools are commonly used in CAD software and will greatly improve the ability to produce accurate and precise data in MAPublisher and clean-up imported data.

Location of the Trim and Extend tools on the Adobe Illustrator Tools panel. Click and hold the tool button to switch between MAP Trim Tool and MAP Extend Tool.

The MAP Trim Tool and MAP Extend Tools are located on the Adobe Illustrator Tools panel. Click and hold the MAP Trim or Map Extend tool button icon to switch between them. To use the tools, select the crossing or intersecting path and click the object to extend or trim. The diagram below illustrates the basic process.

Visualization of the trim and extend processes

There are many possible applications for these tools in digitizing and cleaning map data. In a hypothetical example illustrated below, we trim all the roads that extend past the edge of a border, and extend the imported roads (in bold) to meet the existing roads.

Examples of uses for the trim and extend tools. Extending imported roads to match existing roads and trimming lines that fall outside of a map border
Lines trimmed and extended!

Use MAPublisher to Import Layers from ArcGIS Online Directly Into Adobe Illustrator

Blog

With the latest release of MAPublisher 9.9, it’s now possible to easily import layers directly from an ArcGIS Online account or an ArcGIS web service. This will allow you to use shared data layers within your ArcGIS Online organizational account and connect to publicly available map servers from various online sources.

ArcGIS Online is a collaborative web GIS that allows you to store and share GIS data using Esri’s secure cloud. Before, you may have had to download layers as shapefiles to your local machine and then import them into Adobe Illustrator using MAPublisher. Now, MAPublisher has a much improved workflow to get ArcGIS Online layers into Adobe Illustrator will full georeferencing, all map features, and attributes.

Currently, the types of datasets allowed are Feature Layers, Map Image Layers and Tile Layers. To load a layer, use MAPublisher Import as you would with any data type and select ArcGIS Online from the Format drop-down menu. Click the login link to enter your ArcGIS Online credentials to access your organization’s web portal.

Import ArcGIS Online dialog box
ArcGIS Online user portal

Feature Layers contain vector data that will import as artwork into Adobe Illustrator. Optionally, you can extract specific features using standard SQL queries. Map Image Layers and Tile Layers are raster data layers that can be added by selecting the geographic extents.

Import Image Map Layer

In addition to using your own organization’s data, you can connect to publicly available data from a wide variety of organizations by connecting to an ArcGIS Web Service. To connect to a web service, use MAPublisher Import and select ArcGIS Web Service from the Format drop-down menu. Click to select the dataset and enter the URL for the service. This is a great option when searching for data from open data portals created by government agencies.

Import ArcGIS Web Service
Valid ArcGIS Web Service

Accessing Esri’s online services through MAPublisher provides a great opportunity to use shared data within your organization and access a wide variety of publicly available data. We’re sure you’ll find it very useful for finding data to make great maps.

Avenza MAPublisher Now Features ArcGIS Online Integration within Adobe Illustrator

News

Connect to ArcGIS Online within Adobe Illustrator to import and work with data layers

Toronto, ON, January 4, 2017 – Avenza Systems Inc., producers of the Avenza Maps app for mobile devices and geospatial plug-ins for Adobe Creative Cloud, including Geographic Imager® for Adobe Photoshop®, is pleased to announce the highly anticipated integration of ArcGIS Online into the latest release of MAPublisher 9.9 for Adobe Illustrator.

Map makers and GIS professionals can sign-in to their ArcGIS Online account, view available data layers, and import them directly into Adobe Illustrator, while maintaining all georeferencing, geospatial features, and attributes. Unlike Esri’s recent ArcGIS for Adobe Creative Cloud offering, MAPublisher maintains a true GIS-like operating environment within Adobe Illustrator and does not drop attributes or geodata. In addition, users can connect to ArcGIS web services, providing the flexibility to import data from a wide variety of sources. ArcGIS Online is also included in the MAPublisher Point Plotter tool as an option to geocode addresses (using ArcGIS Online service credits).

“MAPublisher is evolving with the integration of ArcGIS Online,” said Ted Florence, President of Avenza. “We’re committed to providing professionals with more options to get data into Adobe Illustrator using MAPublisher so that can they make the best map products possible,” he added. “From start to finish, MAPublisher makes it easy for anyone to add geospatial data from a variety of sources, create maps with intuitive mapping tools and publish maps to print, web, and mobile-ready formats.”

More about MAPublisher for Adobe Illustrator

MAPublisher for Adobe Illustrator is powerful map production software for creating high-quality maps from GIS data. MAPublisher cartographic tools leverage the superior graphic design capabilities of Adobe Illustrator to manipulate GIS data and to produce both print-ready and online maps with accuracy and efficiency.

MAPublisher 9.9 is currently available starting at US$1399 for a commercial fixed license. MAPublisher FME Auto and MAPublisher LabelPro are also available as add-ons starting at US$399 per license. Floating and volume pricing are also available. Prices include one year of full maintenance. Visit www.avenza.com/mapublisher for more details.

More about Avenza Systems Inc.

Avenza Systems Inc. is an award-winning, privately held corporation that provides cartographers and GIS professionals with powerful software tools to make better maps. In addition to software offerings for Mac and Windows users, Avenza offers value-added data sets, product training and consulting services, as well as the Avenza Maps app for purchasing and using maps on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Visit www.avenza.com for more details.

For further information contact:
416-487-5116
info@avenza.com
www.avenza.com

Canada North Resources Expo 2017

Past Event

The 2017 Canada North Resources Expo is a showcase of the resources sectors’ leading companies and products.

Avenza will be participating as an exhibitor at the expo and product specialists will be available to discuss how Avenza Maps mobile technology is changing the cartography industry and how MAPublisher and Geographic Imager desktop mapping solutions can be a great fit for your organization. Come visit us in booth #321

For more information and to register, visit http://www.cnre.ca/

 

MAPublisher Training – Chicago, IL

Past Event

Chicago, IL – May 11-12, 2017

New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
9501 Technology Blvd #350, Suite 350, Rosemont, IL 60018, USA

Reserve your seat by April 11, 2017

Whether you’re new to MAPublisher®, an experienced user, or simply thinking about a purchase, Avenza software training is a worthwhile experience. Get hands-on training from Avenza product specialists at one of our training courses around North America.

Who should attend?

  • GIS professionals who want to produce better quality maps
  • Map makers and cartographers incorporating GIS data to improve accuracy in their maps
  • New MAPublisher users who just purchased a license
  • Users who want to experience the latest features of MAPublisher

 

Cost

Cost of the two-day training course is $1,000 USD per person. Discounts are available to groups of three or more from the same organization and for returning students desiring a refresher or update. Major credit cards are accepted.

Training details

  • Hands-on training takes place at a training center classroom where Windows computers and all required software and training data are provided.
  • Attendees will learn the fundamentals of MAPublisher and learn how to use all major features. Attendees will also receive basic instruction on the use of Adobe Illustrator as it relates to MAPublisher and cartographic production. A basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is recommended, but not required.
  • Attendees are encouraged to bring his or her own datasets. There will be some time during the end of the course to discuss these with an instructor.
  • Attendees that are Mac users may opt to bring his or her own Mac and software. Make sure to inform Avenza a week before training to setup the system properly for training.
  • Classes may be cancelled up to seven business days prior to the confirmed training date (depending on the number of reservations received).

Association of American Geographers (AAG) 2017 Annual Meeting – Boston, MA

Past Event

The AAG 2017 Annual Meeting will take place April 5 – 9, 2017 in Boston, MA at the Hynes Convention Center, Marriott Copley Place and the Sheraton Boston.

Avenza will be participating in the conference exhibition and trade show, in booth #408, during which Avenza product specialists will demonstrate and discuss MAPublisher, Geographic Imager and the Avenza Maps app. This is a great time to see Avenza products in action and to have all your product-related and workflow questions answered. It will also be an opportunity to see upcoming features and functionality of future releases.

For more details or to book an appointment call 416-487-5116 or email Avenza.

 

About the AAG Annual Meeting

The AAG Annual Meeting is an interdisciplinary forum open to anyone with an interest in geography and related disciplines. Presentations from scholars, researchers, professionals, and students are welcome. The five-day conference will host more than 7,000 geographers from around the world and feature over 5,000 presentations, posters, workshops, and field trips by leading scholars, experts, and researchers. Sessions will be organized around many subfields, special tracks, and featured themes. For more information, visit www.aag.org/cs/annualmeeting.

 

MAPublisher Training – Washington, DC

Past Event

Washington, DC – March 30-31, 2017

New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
2010 Corporate Ridge #200, McLean, VA 22102, USA

Reserve your seat by February 30, 2017

Whether you’re new to MAPublisher®, an experienced user, or simply thinking about a purchase, Avenza software training is a worthwhile experience. Get hands-on training from Avenza product specialists at one of our training courses around North America.

Who should attend?

  • GIS professionals who want to produce better quality maps
  • Map makers and cartographers incorporating GIS data to improve accuracy in their maps
  • New MAPublisher users who just purchased a license
  • Users who want to experience the latest features of MAPublisher

 

Cost

Cost of the two-day training course is $1,000 USD per person. Discounts are available to groups of three or more from the same organization and for returning students desiring a refresher or update. Major credit cards are accepted.

Training details

  • Hands-on training takes place at a training center classroom where Windows computers and all required software and training data are provided.
  • Attendees will learn the fundamentals of MAPublisher and learn how to use all major features. Attendees will also receive basic instruction on the use of Adobe Illustrator as it relates to MAPublisher and cartographic production. A basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is recommended, but not required.
  • Attendees are encouraged to bring his or her own datasets. There will be some time during the end of the course to discuss these with an instructor.
  • Attendees that are Mac users may opt to bring his or her own Mac and software. Make sure to inform Avenza a week before training to setup the system properly for training.
  • Classes may be cancelled up to seven business days prior to the confirmed training date (depending on the number of reservations received).

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