What I'd like to see: a simple map-creating program.-lifespurpose
As said already, far too big for a Nany App.
Thoughts - in no particular order:
I draw fairly small maps at times for my work - I use graphics programmes, and do trace from older maps - some of which have copyright. If it's only for your own purposes I personally wouldnt worry about copyright - if for publication, you should get permission (= pay an arm & leg to original publisher). They actually have little quirks in maps that they can use in court to prove that you copied their maps ;-)
I know a guy who creates detailed maps for orienteering via copying/tracing and some surveying/field work - he uses some type of cad software - well 'cad' is part of the name - I can check and get back to you - but it is fairly expensive AFAIK.
These days you can download a lot of maps - contour maps of the States, UK etc. I'm not familiar with these in terms of format etc. Probably a lot of GIS based info.
Have you looked at openstreetmap.org ?
OpenStreetMap is a free worldwide map, created by people like you.
The data is free to download and use under its open license. Create a user account to improve the map.
Sounds good to me but I've no experience with it.
See dc thread -
An easy software to make street/road maps? for more info about same and other possible options.
Adobe Illustrator has a mapmaker plugin - again I dont know the name off the top of my head, but you're talking about lots of dosh for Illustrator to begin with + plugin cost.
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