FAQs about editable vector map bases
Q: Does the download include software?
A: No, we don’t supply vector editing software. Any graphics software that can handle SVGs can be used to edit these maps. We especially recommend Adobe Illustrator, which is available on a free trial. See How to Customize for more info.
Q: Is it genuinely easy to edit these map bases?
A: Our maps are built for designers at all ability levels. Edits such as colour changes are really simple for anyone with basic skills in vector artworking. There are tutorials about basic edits using Adobe Illustrator in How to Customize. However, if you have never worked with digital artwork of any sort before, you will have a learning curve with the basics. We encourage beginners to try customizing the map for themselves, but if you find it all too complex and time-consuming, we suggest you hire a graphic designer to customise the map base. We ourselves offer a customization service rated at £50 per hour – please use our contact form if you want a quote.
Q: If I zoom into one of your maps, will extra details show up, like zooming into Google Maps?
A: No. Google Maps loads extra layers of data as you zoom in. What you see on the map zoom previews on this website shows the level of data you get on the downloads.
Q: Why can’t I open some of the files in the download?
A: Downloads include an SVG file (with suffix .svg) and an Adobe Illustrator file (with suffix .ai). If you do not have Adobe Illustrator software or any other software that supports SVG then you will not be able to open these files. See How to Customize for more info about software.
Q: Where is the download link for the map I’ve purchased?
A: After successful payment, the usual process is that a buyer is taken automatically to a download page and also auto-emailed a Maproom completion email which includes a download link on the map name. Please check your junk mail folder if this email does not get through to you within a few minutes. NB PayPal sends a separate payment confirmation email which does NOT include a download link. Please email maproom@thamesidemedia.com if you don’t have a download link.
FAQs about animated SVG maps for websites
Q: How much skill do I need to edit an animated web map?
A: Unlike our other vector map bases, the animated bases require basic HTML skills if you want to upload the map to your website and edit the captions. If you want to make colour changes you need additional skills in CSS. And if you want to add extra layers to the map or change the animation behaviour, then you need an advanced understanding of Javascript and SVG/XML code too. Please use our contact form if you don’t have these skills and want a quote for customization.
Q: My animated map works on my local server, but not on my remote server. In Chrome and Firefox, for example, the map auto-downloads rather than being viewable in the browser. Why doesn’t it work on the remote server?
A: Some server environments are not set up to read SVG files by default. On a Windows Server, for example, you may need to modify (Apache dir)/conf/mime.types. to include the lines…
AddType image/svg+xml svg
AddType image/svg+xml svgz
If this doesn’t work, try adding the lines above to the .htaccess file.
Further information about SVG server settings can be found here: http://www.w3.org/services/svg-server/