How to add contours to a map
Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 3:33 pmI make trail maps that can be useful to hikers and mountaineers. Some of the areas I map have outstanding mountain scenery, but are located in areas where local regulations "frown" on independent, non-official mapmaking. To the detriment of the outdoor community, unfortunately.
My current goal is to add contour intervals to my maps. This would greatly increase their useability. So far, I have been using OpenTopoMap [dot] org as a source. OpenTopoMap solves one problem, namely, the ability to grab contour images for areas of interest to me. Or as I might put it, for any place on earth, so as to leave the specific locale unnamed.
But my methods are primitive. Basically, import the image to a layer in LibreOffice Draw and manually add trails, peaks, features, etc. based on my local knowledge of an area. With my current approach, I lack suitable control over the contours. Many times they are too close, rendering the map unreadable. I need the ability to choose the contour interval, select the positioning of altitude lettering, choose colors, etc.
I suspect I may need to learn how to use GPS software that can import contour data from a suitable source, but my current level of knowledge is sparse. Basically I need some direction on how to start. I would appreciate suggestions on software, sources of data, for someone at a beginning level, but who aspires ultimately to make high-quality maps.
Are there alternative sources of contour data that would be better suited to my purposes than OpenTopoMap [dot] org? Bear in mind that my area of interest is "anywhere on earth". Helpful suggestions welcome, and thanks.
My current goal is to add contour intervals to my maps. This would greatly increase their useability. So far, I have been using OpenTopoMap [dot] org as a source. OpenTopoMap solves one problem, namely, the ability to grab contour images for areas of interest to me. Or as I might put it, for any place on earth, so as to leave the specific locale unnamed.
But my methods are primitive. Basically, import the image to a layer in LibreOffice Draw and manually add trails, peaks, features, etc. based on my local knowledge of an area. With my current approach, I lack suitable control over the contours. Many times they are too close, rendering the map unreadable. I need the ability to choose the contour interval, select the positioning of altitude lettering, choose colors, etc.
I suspect I may need to learn how to use GPS software that can import contour data from a suitable source, but my current level of knowledge is sparse. Basically I need some direction on how to start. I would appreciate suggestions on software, sources of data, for someone at a beginning level, but who aspires ultimately to make high-quality maps.
Are there alternative sources of contour data that would be better suited to my purposes than OpenTopoMap [dot] org? Bear in mind that my area of interest is "anywhere on earth". Helpful suggestions welcome, and thanks.