Our downloadable maps are supplied in “vector graphics” formats, meaning they have live paths and anchor points allowing you to edit the shape, colour and size of all elements on the map. You can scale your map up or down according to your needs while the image stays sharp. See How to Customise.
Even if you have never made a map before, you can easily tailor any Maproom map to your own requirements. And for professional cartographers and designers they make a brilliant starting point for advanced customisation, saving days of work.
What’s in a download?
The download folder will contain at least two files in vector formats that have broad compatibility with graphics industry standards:
— High-resolution PDFs ready to use
— The map in Adobe Illustrator® format
— The map in SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) format
— JPEGs or PNGs may also be included as examples
— Physical and touring maps also include a raster artwork file for editing the hillshading layer
Does the download include software?
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.
Is it genuinely easy to edit these map bases?
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 £60 per hour – please use our contact form if you want a quote.
If I zoom into one of your downloadable maps, will extra details show up, like zooming into Google Maps?
No. Google Maps and our dynamic maps load extra layers of data as you zoom in. Whereas what you see on the zoom previews of the downloadable maps are what you get on the downloads.
Why can’t I open some of the files in the download?
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.
Where is the download link for the map I’ve purchased?
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.