Library Guides: Map the Bay: Mapmaking Tools & Tips

Digital Mapping Resources

Browser-Based Tools

These web-based tools allow you to create digital maps online. Many of them let you include interactive features and the ability to export to a static image. Keep in mind that for the 2020 Map the Bay map contest we require that the exported image have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Look for instructions in the site-specific web help on how to export at high resolution.

ArcGIS Online
Allows you to create and share web maps. Can create a free public account. For UC Berkeley students: go to http://cal.maps.arcgis.com. Click on the link to login using your UC Berkeley Calnet account.
Carto
Powerful platform for building detailed maps that is available with a free account for 1 year.
Inkarnate
Online map-making platform for fantasy maps.
*Must be over 13
MapHub
You can easily make your own map by adding points, lines, polygons or labels.
MapBox
Upload data files and customize display using CSS. Offers superb customization opportunities. Displays tiled maps.

Desktop Tools

These desktop software tools allow you to create digital maps on your computer. Some of them, like QGIS, are designed specifically for mapping and are called Geographic Information System (GIS) software. GIS software work specifically with map data. Others, like GIMP, are more general illustration tools.

QGIS
Free, open source Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Runs natively on Mac, PC, and Linux operating systems.
GIMP
Free, open source, cross-platform image editor.

Learning How to Map

Making Great Maps (Penn State University)
Lesson 5 from the "Maps and the Geospatial Revolution" online course. Includes information on topics like map layout, choosing colors, and working with data.
Ten Things to Consider When Making a Map
Ten common considerations to incorporate as part of your map making process (from GIS Lounge).

Tips & Ideas for Parents and Teachers

Map Skills for Elementary Students
Teaching with Maps
Cat in the Hat - You Can Map This and That
Create a simple map of a room to get you started.
GIS&T Body of Knowledge: Cartography & Visualization Section
Encapsulates competencies related to the design and use of maps and mapping technology. From the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science.

Map Examples

National Geographic's Maps of Familiar Places
Introduce young children to the concept of maps as representations of places with these community maps.
Finalist maps from the Osher Map Library 2019 Contest
Archive of the Barbara Petchenik Children's Map Competition
Archive of the Barbara Petchenik Children's Map Competition maintained by Carleton University.
BART Fantasy Maps
Maps cartographers made as kids (from National Geographic)
Ideas from Stamen Design - Bay Area Cellphone Coverage
CityLab article: "Your Maps of Life Under Lockdown"
CityLab recently invited readers to draw maps of their worlds in the time of coronavirus. Over 200 people responded with an incredible range of interpretative maps, submitted from all over the world.

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