Maps in Pages: how to
There is a map in one of the Pages ready-made templates 'Classic Brochure' (three panel, Vineyard B&B) - but the map image does not really give clues as to how to construct it...
Here is one way of putting together a nice looking map, I'd used:
1. Scan a real geographical map or take it off the internet.
2. Drop it into your pages document.
3. Use draw tool (a new feature in Pages 2) to create a custom shape lying on top of the scanned map. Follow the contours of the area you need for your map in a Pages document.
4. Fill the custom shape with colour (green or light brown for land area), gradient colour, or even an image - whichever suits your project best.
5. If it is a seaside area, create square shape, colour fill it with blue, put the blue square shape over the custom shape (map outline), adjust dimensions so that they match exactly and under Arrange menu 'Send backward'.
6. Use text boxes for placenames. They can be rotated to fit the map.
7. Use arrows for directions.
8. Use oval shapes or create more custom shapes to show areas needed on maps.
9. Move place name boxes and arrows into required position.
10. Command or Shift Click to select all objects and Group (under Arrange menu)
Now your map is ready to be placed on page - resized, rotated etc. Remember to check the 'constrain proportions' box in dimensions inspector when resizing. It may also be useful to 'Print' your map as a PDF document and then import it into your project.
If anyone knows a better solution I'd like to hear very much. For example, how to draw a curved line - for a river? A fuller version of this and a sample map at http://i-work-in-pages.blogspot.com
Sashura
iMac, iBook Mac OS X (10.4)
Here is one way of putting together a nice looking map, I'd used:
1. Scan a real geographical map or take it off the internet.
2. Drop it into your pages document.
3. Use draw tool (a new feature in Pages 2) to create a custom shape lying on top of the scanned map. Follow the contours of the area you need for your map in a Pages document.
4. Fill the custom shape with colour (green or light brown for land area), gradient colour, or even an image - whichever suits your project best.
5. If it is a seaside area, create square shape, colour fill it with blue, put the blue square shape over the custom shape (map outline), adjust dimensions so that they match exactly and under Arrange menu 'Send backward'.
6. Use text boxes for placenames. They can be rotated to fit the map.
7. Use arrows for directions.
8. Use oval shapes or create more custom shapes to show areas needed on maps.
9. Move place name boxes and arrows into required position.
10. Command or Shift Click to select all objects and Group (under Arrange menu)
Now your map is ready to be placed on page - resized, rotated etc. Remember to check the 'constrain proportions' box in dimensions inspector when resizing. It may also be useful to 'Print' your map as a PDF document and then import it into your project.
If anyone knows a better solution I'd like to hear very much. For example, how to draw a curved line - for a river? A fuller version of this and a sample map at http://i-work-in-pages.blogspot.com
Sashura
iMac, iBook Mac OS X (10.4)
