The first thing we do on a new map project is send out a map legend so the client can customize their map to their exact specifications.
If you have GIS data and want the map created with that data you will need to send us your GIS data via our ftp site. If you have no data or missing layers of data, GISCARTO will access other data sources to complete the map.
The GIS data files that we are looking for are:
1. Centerline street data
2. City, township and county boundaries
3. School locations and names
4. Railroads
5. Hydrography (water layer)
6. Parks
7. Other public points of interest (fire stations, hospitals, libraries, county garages etc.)
8. Any additional overlays (such as bike or hiking trails, section/township/range etc.)
9. Any photos or customer copy that customer wants placed on the sheet (photos and copy must be provided in a Word file document or in a .pdf).
The customer will need provide the map covers as .pdf’s and built to size for the appropriate product.
Once we have all of your data we then scrub the data for annotation processing. We use our own proprietary software to label the map. We do not re-type street names or redo linework. The labeling software is done first at a large scale and then down to a smaller scale. All text collisions are highlighted for easy clean-up. Once all text and any errors are cleaned up the map layout is started for the map product into either folding map or map book. For folding maps both sides of the sheet are laid out and internally proofed. Then two pdf proofs are sent to the client, front and back side of the sheet. For map books, all pages are laid out and proofed internally. The book production proof will be sent as pdf’s of all the pages. At this point the client must review, find errors or omissions and send any corrects back to us. If there is corrections we will send another proof for review and approval. Once the final production proof is approved the files are sent to the printer. The printer will “marry” the map artwork and the clients customized covers together and provide one final hard copy proof or pdf’s for atlases before going to press. When the printer’s proof is approved and returned the maps are printed within two to three weeks. Once printed, the maps are trimmed, folded (or bound for a book), bundled wrapped in 25’s, bulk carton packed and shipped.