When it comes to map-making technology, nothing is more certain than change. The current mix of cartographic software includes open source and proprietary tools, both for web maps and traditional paper maps. For the latter, commonly used software includes GIS, desktop illustration software, and image editing software. Web mapping is even more diverse, with a range of software and services used for map design, tile generation and hosting, and user interaction.
Below is a listing of the first- and second-place winners in the Wisconsin Land Information Association’s annual map compeition, announced at the annual conference last week in Green Bay. Winners for the various paper map categories used three main software tools: ArcGIS/ArcMap (15 mentions), Illustrator (6 mentions), Photoshop (3 mentions), and several other more specialized tools. The winning web maps are based on a combination of open source and proprietary software tools.
For more information contact Dan Seidensticker (City of Madison) who oversees the competition.
Interactive web map category
First place: Lizzi Slivinski, Association of State Floodplain Managers, “Toledo Flood Hazard Visualizer.” Software used: Leafet and d3 for mapping and graphing, TileMill and ArGIS for tile layers, Bootstrap and CSS for styling, node and express JavaScript frameworks.
Second place: Chris Cantey, City of Wisconsin Rapids, “City Viewer.” Software used: ArcGIS for cartography and publication of map services, ArcGIS for JavaScript API, ArcGIS Server/REST API, Microsoft SQL Server, Bootstrap, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, SQL.
Map poster category
First place: J. Michelle Hu, UW-Madison, “The Meltdown: Glacial Melt 2003-2009.” Software used: ArcMap, Illustrator.
Second place: Jason Weis, OMNNI Associates, “Leo Frigo (I-43) Bridge Investigation.” Software used: ArcGIS.
Base map category
First place: Daniel Huffman, somethingaboutmaps, “A Physical Map of Michigan.” Software used: ArcMap, Blender, Illustrator, Photoshop, Terrain Texture Shader.
Second place: Emily Champagne, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, “Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Facilities Map.” Software used: ArcGIS.
Map book or atlas category
First place: Mike Zuege, East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, “Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Water Trail – Lower Fox River System Trail Guide.” ArcMap, Illustrator.
Second place: Stacy Foster, Stantec Consulting, “ATC ESE 6904-6904 Powerline Rebuild Project Proposed Action Map.” Software used: ArcMap including Maplex for labeling.
Brochure category
First place: Tammy Castonia, Village of Little Chute, “Village of Little Chute Visitor Map.” Software used: ArcGIS, Microsoft Publisher, GIMP.
Second place: Rod Sutter, Portage County, “Farm Technology Days – Tent City.” Software used: ArcGIS.
Thematic map category
First place: Kristen Vincent, UW-Madison, “September 11th, 2001: Loss Felt by Many Cities.” Software used: ArcMap, Photoshop, Illustrator.
Second place: Marie Pichler, Stantec Consulting, “Sediment Sample Locations – Dioxins and Furans TEQ Results.” ArcGIS, Excel.
Small format category
First place: Constanza Bravo, UW-Madison, “A Country Going Gray.” Software used: ArcGIS, Illustrator.
Second place: Clare Trainor, UW-Madison, “The Lack of Female Leadership Around the World.” Software used: ArcGIS, Illustrator.
Black and white category
First place: Tyler DeBruin, East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, “East Central Wisconsin Snowmobile Trails.” Software used: ArcGIS.
Second place: Matt Guptail, North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, “Village of Kronenwetter – Snow Plow Routes.” Software used: ArcMap.
Most unique category
First place: JoAnn Parks and Jamie Hagen, Applied Data Consultants, “Pareidolia.” ArcView, InDesign for final layout.
Second place: Chelsea Nestel, UW-Madison, “Monsters of the United States.” Software used: Pen & ink, Photoshop.
Best student map category
J. Michelle Hu, UW-Madison, The Meltdown: Glacial Melt 2003-2009
President’s choice
Daniel Huffman, somethingaboutmaps, A Physical Map of Michigan
Peoples’ choice
Chelsea Nestel, UW-Madison, Monsters of the United States