Can I draw roads in Publisher

[Chrisssssss.........]

I'm using Publisher 2002 to draw a few diagrams taken from a map. My problem
is that I cannot find a way to draw roads or rivers in DOUBLE lines. Yes I
know I could draw a sinle line and then copy it, but this means that on
curves, the width between the lines is not uniform.
Does anyone know if Publisher will do this?
Any advice appreciated.
Chrisssss.........

 

[JoAnn Paules [MSFT MVP]]

Please bear in mind that this is purely my opinion - You are using the wrong
tool for the job. I have no idea which programs you own so I can't suggest
an alternative.

The answer to your question is no, you can't do what you want to do.You need
a program that can calculate the offset difference and figure out the radius
needed for the second line. Publisher is not that program.

 

[Mary Sauer]

You can right-click a curved line, click edit points, you can smooth the point,
straighten a point, or most any type editing you want. I've made maps with Publisher,
a little patience is all you need.

 

[Chrisssssss.........]

You can right-click a curved line, click edit points, you can smooth the
point, straighten a point, or most any type editing you want. I've made
maps with Publisher, a little patience is all you need.

Thanks Mary,
Sadly when I right click any curved line I don;t get the options you
suggest. I'm using P 2002. Perhaps this doesnt have them.
If you mean that I can edit the node points if I copy any curved line, I
agree, but this still takes far too long when I have lots to do.
Thanks anyway. Chrisssss.........

 

[Mary Sauer]

Do you have a draw program?
Free download, really big, but worth the time.
http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/

Some folks report after downloading they cannot install. If the .exe is missing from
the program, add it manually.

 

[Rob Giordano \(Crash Gordon®\)]

I had no problem with dling it or installing it...it is huge though. A bit of a learning curve too. Have you tried Xara X1 (also vector) ... awesome. I ended up buying it I liked it so much....bye bye Illustrator.

Gonna mess with Expression 3 some more though...looks cool...but not a newbie prog.

 

[Chrisssssss.........]

Many thanks for your comments. Unless a programme is "idiot proof" with a
very short learning curve then thanks; but no thanks.

Much appreciated though.

Chrisssss........

 

[Rob Giordano \(Crash Gordon®\)]

Download the trial of Xara X1.

Then just use the Pencil tool with whatever style you want to create the roads...you could even import a map from mapquest or something and draw over that then remove the mapquest model when y our done.

It'll take you longer to download the trial than to learn how to do it.

 

[Chrisssssss.........]

Rob said: It'll take you longer to download the trial than to learn how to
do it.



Thanks Rob. I will certainly give it a try today. Many thanks.
Chrissss.......

 

[Mike Koewler]

Try DrawPlus from Serif: http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/ Easy to
learn, lots of support via a forum and NG, and it is free.

Mike

 

[JoAnn Paules [MSFT MVP]]

You have maps that can walk? WOW! ;-)

 

[Chrisssssss.........]

Thanks Brett and Ron for the suggestions of Xara and Drawplus 4, both of
which I've downloaded and had a quick look at. I'm off to bed right now, but
can I ask....... despite quick looks at both progs, I can't find how to make
DOUBLE lines to emulate roads or rivers. Any chance you could point me to
the right buttons, to save me some time tomorrow?
Many thanks, Chrissss.........

 

[Mike Koewler]

Brett,

Normally, if one downloads and registers a free version, a couple of
weeks later the Lovely Natasha will send you an update offer for $29.95.
It is far better than the free version.

Mike

 

[JoAnn Paules [MSFT MVP]]

Chrisssssssss..............

I have to ask this - Aren't you going thru a lot of trouble to create a map
when there are so many places online that you can grab a map in moments? I'm
a big believer in not recreating the wheel.

 

[Chrisssssss.........]

I have to ask this - Aren't you going thru a lot of trouble to create a
map
when there are so many places online that you can grab a map in moments?
I'm a big believer in not recreating the wheel.
JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

As you ask JoAnn, it's because I sell a 70 page guide which I produce on
computer. This shows various walks in a particular area. I therefore wish to
use small sections of area maps onto which I wish to add the walk routes. In
the UK, our Ordnance Survey charge huge amounts to use their maps
(copyright) whereas in the US, I hear this is free!
See why I need to make my own?
Chrissss........

 

[Rob Giordano \(Crash Gordon®\)]

She writes to me all the time.

Brett,

Normally, if one downloads and registers a free version, a couple of
weeks later the Lovely Natasha will send you an update offer for $29.95.
It is far better than the free version.

Mike

 

[Rob Giordano \(Crash Gordon®\)]

You'd design your own brush, save it, then use it to draw your roadways...or whatever. Check the website(s) for each program sometimes there are AVID users that design brushes, textures, etc...for free downloads.

 

[Rob Giordano \(Crash Gordon®\)]

Hey Mike,,,do you remember if the original Serif suite used to have an image of a Tiger on the CD? I seem to remember using a cool suite years and years ago and it may hve been Serif..but I got turned off because they used to acutally call me on the phone to upgrade - which pissed me off. All I can remember is the image of a Tiger on the jewel box.

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

Chrissssss

Why don't you just use lines of varying thickness and or colour, and then
put a small guide as to what they signify?..

 

[JoAnn Paules [MSFT MVP]]

There are some great maps available from some govt agency - but they aren't
free.

Sounds like you have a big job ahead of you.

--

JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

I have to ask this - Aren't you going thru a lot of trouble to create a
map
when there are so many places online that you can grab a map in moments?
I'm a big believer in not recreating the wheel.
JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]

As you ask JoAnn, it's because I sell a 70 page guide which I produce on
computer. This shows various walks in a particular area. I therefore wish
to use small sections of area maps onto which I wish to add the walk
routes. In the UK, our Ordnance Survey charge huge amounts to use their
maps (copyright) whereas in the US, I hear this is free!
See why I need to make my own?
Chrissss........