Computer Graphics Survey

Map Elements

Using FreeHand 8.0 on MacOS Computers

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Before beginning the project

Read the information that pertains specifically to the way the ACG Lab operates. This section of the directions may not apply if you work on the project elsewhere.


Tutorial Goals

To create the map of where we live/work/study/play, we will use a vector graphics program. These programs differ from raster graphics programs (such as Photoshop, which we used for the scanned portrait) because:

The main benefit of using a vector program for our map is that viewers will be able to zoom in smoothly from a planetary view to a county level view. For a diagrammatic picture like a map, vector files are also generally smaller in size.

Of the three widely used vector programs (Illustrator, FreeHand, Corel Draw), we will use Macromedia FreeHand because its files can be compressed and embedded in web pages through the Shockwave technology.

In this initial step, our main concern will be proper organization of the document and use of the selection and transformation tools. We will:


Combine Elements in a Layered Document

  1. Launch the FreeHand application.
  2. Find the world map or globe picture you like best and open it.
  3. Use the File-->Save As command to rename the picture you chose as your own map document.
  4. A new FreeHand document will automatically contain three layers, named 'Foreground', 'Guides', and 'Background'. Rename the Foreground layer to indicate that it contains a picture of the entire world.
  5. Lock the layers that you are not going to use at the moment. Locking is one of the main advantages of using layers, since it prevents accidental damage to existing parts of the picture.
  6. Now proceed to bring in the additional pictures for more detailed maps. Each one will be on a separate layer, renamed as indicated below:

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Modify the Pictures so they Match in Shape and Size

  1. Your goal is to superimpose the maps so that, as viewers zoom in, they see an increasingly detailed picture of your part of the world.
  2. Before working on a layer, unlock it by opening its padlock icon. Remember to lock the layer again when done with it.
  3. Use the Selection tool (the arrow, 1st at the top of the toolbox) to:
    the Selection tool icon
  4. Drag with the Rotate tool (6th from the bottom in the toolbox) to re-orient the selection.
    the Rotation tool icon
  5. Use the Knife tool (7th from the bottom in the toolbox) to cut off portions of the selection.
    the Knife icon tool
  6. When done, make sure to save this FreeHand document on your floppy disk. We will re-use this file in the following session.

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Information specific to the ACG Lab

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This document originally at <http://acgdb.fullcoll.edu/LEARN/OVERVIEW/OV110MAC/INDEX.HTM>
Copyright 1997-99 by Sandro Corsi.
Last modified 13 April 1999.
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