Guide: Creating a Map in InkScape for the Fill In Board Application

Introduction

This guide will walk you through creating a clean, minimal map using InkScape, designed specifically for use in the Fill In Board application. The goal is to have a simple map that allows emergency response unit labels to be overlayed and clearly identified. The map should have clear lines, minimal clutter, and labels for easy understanding during high-pressure situations.

Looking for a custom map? Fill In Board offers professional map creation services tailored to your needs. For more details, visit our map services page.

Why SVG Images

Fill In Board recommends using SVG images, a vector format, over raster formats such as PNG, JPG, or GIF. SVG is preferred for several reasons:

• Scalability: SVG images can be scaled up or down without any loss of quality, ensuring that your map remains clear and sharp no matter the size.
• Small File Size: SVG files are typically smaller in size compared to raster formats, which helps improve load times and overall performance of your web application.
• Editability: Since SVGs are created using XML, they can be easily edited in any text editor or design software, allowing for flexibility in customizing your map.
• High Compatibility: SVGs are widely supported across modern web browsers, making them a reliable choice for web-based applications.

Step 1: Find a Clean Map Image

Start by finding a clear and simple map image. Ideally, the map should be free of excessive detail like topography or unnecessary labeling. A map that contains only your fire district border, and possibly your fire stations would be the best.

• Tip: Look for maps of your area from your local or county GIS services, or open-source map databases like Google Maps or OpenStreetMap that offer clean layouts. These resources can be helpful if your community does not have a dedicated GIS team.
• Recommendation: Black and white maps are often easier to trace and may lead to cleaner results.

Step 2: Add the Map to InkScape

1. Open InkScape.
2. Import your chosen map image by going to File > Import and selecting your file. Alternatively you could copy and paste the map into InkScape.
3. Scale the map to fit the artboard by clicking on the map and using the corner handles. Make sure the map covers the area you’ll be working on.

Step 3: Trace the Map Using the Pen Tool

1. Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar (shortcut: B).
2. Begin tracing over the key features of the map. Focus on drawing clean lines around roads, boundaries, and important landmarks that are relevant to your emergency response strategy.
3. For curves or irregular shapes, click and drag to create smooth curves. You can always adjust the paths later using the Node Tool (N).

• Tip: Use a different color for the lines to easily distinguish them from the original map while tracing.

Step 4: Add Fire Station Locations

1. Select the Circle Tool (E) or Square Tool (S), depending on your preference for representing fire stations.
2. Click and drag on the map where each fire station is located to place a circle or square.
3. Ensure that the markers are large enough to be visible but not overwhelming on the map.

• Tip: Keep all fire station markers uniform in size for consistency and clarity.

Step 5: Label the Fire Stations

1. Select the Text Tool (T).
2. Click near each station marker and type the name or code of the fire station.
3. Position the labels so that they don’t obstruct the markers or important map features.

• Tip: Use a legible, sans-serif font for better readability. Keep the font size consistent across all labels. We recommend using at least a 24pt font size for readability.

Step 6: Test Your Map

Once you"ve finished designing your map, the next step is to test it within the Fill In Board application. Follow these instructions to ensure your map displays correctly:

1. Save your image as a Plain SVG. This format is optimized for web use and ensures the map retains its scalability and clarity when uploaded.
2. Upload the SVG file to the Fill In Board application by creating a new board and selecting your map as the background.
3. Check the scaling of your map within the application. You may find that adjustments are needed to better fit the dimensions of the board. You may need to return to InkScape and modify the overall scale of the image.
4. Through trial and error, adjust the map"s size until it displays optimally. We have found that setting the image to fill an 11-inch wide area in InkScape works well for most applications.

Don"t be discouraged if you need to make several adjustments. Getting the perfect scale and clarity may take some time, but once it"s set correctly, your map will be easy to use and clear for emergency response coordination.

Optional Improvements

To further enhance your map, consider adding the following elements:

• Neighboring Fire Departments: Use the text tool to label nearby fire departments that may assist with mutual aid or fill-ins. This helps identify resources quickly.
• Legends: Create a legend to explain the symbols used on the map. For example, circles could represent local stations, while squares could represent mutual aid stations. You can also create a fill-in legend that shows which units will move into a station during an emergency.
• Geographic Features: Add simple shapes to represent major features like rivers, highways, or mountain ranges that may influence response routes.

• Tip: These features should be subtle so they don’t detract from the station markers or labels.