CAPREIT has properties all over Canada. Last year they approached me to create maps for some of their properties in Québec, to show building footprints with their properties highlighted, and nearby streets. They are simple maps designed to be used in their marketing materials, both printed and online.
Wow, what a busy year! Seems like there was a lot of pent up demand for maps. I worked on almost 50 custom projects this year: maps for books; for visitor guides and wayfinding signs; brochure maps and marketing materials for businesses; and a few unique projects.
Most of the maps I design for books are of real places and are based on geospatial data. But once in a while a different type of project crosses my path. M.K. MacLean is the author of a fantasy novel trilogy and commissioned custom maps of her world to illustrate her novel. Read about how we designed these maps.
Many of the maps I create are for historical fiction books. I work with a lot of authors, some are first-time authors and some, like Amy Mantravadi, have written several books. Amy wrote a historical fiction series about her ancestor who lived in 12th-century England and she wanted a map showing locations in the story.
Beach Vibe Rentals & Sales wanted a poster map of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Encinitas to show where customers could take their rented e-bikes and golf carts, with suggested points of interest. Read how we created those different layouts.
I worked with the City of Brantford on multiple mapping projects last year - putting the finishing touches on their outdoor wayfinding maps, designing new maps of river access points, and updating their visitor guide map of Downtown Brantford. Even when cities design maps in-house, they can often use a helping hand!
Read about my collaboration with the team at Vaughan Tourism to launch a new tourist map for their city. The map highlights many businesses and attractions in Vaughan and will appear in their visitor guide and on their website.
Three B's Flowers in Stony Plain, Alberta, wanted a custom delivery zone map to display on the wall of their shop. We designed the map in collaboration with our client to fit in with their shop decor - black and white with natural wood. Read more to see early drafts and how we calculated the delivery zones.
Browse our online shop to find the perfect gift - we have wall art, clothing, tote bags, and more. And we also have gift cards if you can't decide yet! You're sure to find something to fit your style and decor!
The past few months I've shared information about an interactive map I've created in Tableau Public showing local independent shops in Waterloo Region. I use it all the time when looking for local businesses. It's a work in progress, a great place to start, but needs community support to make sure it shows all shops.
My toolkit includes several software programs, with some more on my wish-list to streamline my process. I learn from other cartographers who share their map-making tips - cartographers are a collaborative bunch!
Wayfinding signs and maps are everywhere, but you may not have noticed them unless you looked. They can be a directional sign on a post, an information board with map showing trails and park facilities, or a map of an urban area showing streets and landmarks. These maps improve livability and accessibility for everyone.
