where to get large area maps

[videojim]

If I was to show the progress of a trip from Memphis TN to Beirut Lebanon, where could I get a map that would show that, at least incrementally? I understand I may need to involve more than one map and crossfade between maps. Ideas?

[CasablancaExpert]

Jim,

Should I assume you are using the Casablanca Columbus software to animate this/these maps? If so, the best option (I believe) is the Big Maps products -- they are available in 4 different groups (MSUS Website: http://macrosystem.us/index.php?pr=Big_Maps_1-4 ). And yes, you would need to use more than 1 map and transition between them to show the full trip.

I demonstrate/teach this ability in my newly released Casablanca Foolproof Volume 5: Columbus 2 &3 Intensive: Animating Travel Maps. This particular topic is addressed in chapter 5 of the first disk. This 2-disk, thorough instruction on the capabilities of Columbus is available for purchase now from your Casablanca reseller, Macrosystem US or in the Casablanca Expert Online store.

Forum members in the UK - you can purchase this Tutorial DVD through Dalco UK

Regards,
Chet

[videojim]

In an effort to save bucks, could I not just as well scan in some maps as Jpg's and use them? Have to cut every corner I can. The stuff in express maps looks like somebody's jpg anyway.

[CasablancaExpert]

Yes you can use your own maps with Columbus Jim -- I have a streaming video tutorial on that process here: http://www.casablancaexpert.com/articles/Columbus2Maps

The issue is that the largest you could use would be 720x480. To use the Zoom features of Columbus 2 or 3 the map image in the Image Pool is much larger than the video screen resolution - enabling the zooming in while retaining clarity of the map. I am not steering you to spend money here, just clarifying the benefit of using the Big Maps (and I do believe these were not scanned maps from an existing source but created by a software company just for this purpose).

So yes - you could use your own found maps and animate them but may not be able to zoom while following your head object with map quality intact.

Regards,
Chet

[videojim]

I may at some point need the higher resolution, but for the moment think showing people point a and point b will be all that's necessary. Just want to give a general sense of the geography involved in the trip, where the team went. Further details would be in the pictures. Thanks for the article tip-I will be reading that this week. BTW- How did the boys' soccer game go?

[CasablancaExpert]

You are welcome Jim -- yes, I think a nice animation across two maps will give the audience a nice sense of the journey.

Thanks for asking but our final regular season U12 Boys soccer game was rained out this weekend. We had our first soaking storm of the season.

Regards,
Chet