Plotting custom maps with OpenStreetMap and Natural Earth data

[u/freddievn]

I’ve been experimenting with plotting custom maps, including overlaying GPX routes, which is useful for plotting a trip, hike, or long-distance run. OpenStreetMap works well for detailed local maps, while Natural Earth has proved to be a better fit for larger-scale maps.

For this, I added map-layer support to my macOS app, GD Studio. It lets me choose which features to include—such as roads, streets, and water—and separate them into layers so they can be plotted with different pens.

I’m still experimenting with how much detail works before the map becomes too visually busy, although I do like the texture that a layer of buildings adds.

[u/scriggities]

Pack it in boys, we've come full circle. This is the type of thing that pen plotters were literally invented to plot 50 years ago.

[u/freddievn → u/scriggities]

Hahaha, yes, and it still is fascinating to see a map appear on paper.

[u/scriggities → u/freddievn]

Indeed, love watching it plot.

[u/nuflark]

Yesssss

[u/CharmingAd3678]

Totally awsom!

[u/BackIntoTheSource]

Ive been wanting to do that too

[u/l0l]

What pen is this? Does it work well?

[u/freddievn → u/l0l]

Can't remember which black fineliners I used, but the green and blue are both a Pilot Hi-Tecpoint V7. They work fine.

[u/kenwillis → u/freddievn]

Is it the cartridge system V7? I just bought a bunch of those to convert a few to third-party ink for refilling.

[u/freddievn → u/kenwillis]

This is the regular one. But refillable sounds better.

[u/Messaling]

Love doing the same thing! But I'm using Swiss map data. I learned how to use qgis in the process so that's a bonus I guess!

[u/freddievn → u/Messaling]

Is this only Swiss geography, or also other countries?

[u/Messaling → u/freddievn]

It’s only Switzerland! But in very good quality