Harvard University
Geologic Map Patterns for Canvas (R), Illustrator (R) and Freehand (R)
Introduction
The default installation of drawing programs such as Canvas
(R) or Illustrator (R) provide insufficient patterns for designating
areas on geologic maps. Although these programs make it quite simple to
define a custom pattern for further use, generally this functionality is
not used because of time constraints and lack of artistic talent. The USGS
recognizes this and - in an attempt to standardize - provides a multitude
of geologic map symbols and patterns in its
Open File Report 99-430
(link to USGS publication at USGS site). The map patterns are professionally
designed in Adobe Illustrator(R) format und provided by the USGS in EPS (Illustrator
version) and PDF (overview) formats. Here we offer these patterns for download
in Adobe Illustrator (R), Deneba Canvas (R), OpenOffice, EPS (generic version) and
PDF (single fill element version) formats.
How to use
After downloading and opening the appropriate file, the map
patterns become automatically available in the pattern swatch in Illustrator
(R). In Canvas (R), open the file and tear away the object fill item in
the tool box. Then choose the Symbol tab and expand the ink manager with
the downward pointing triangle. Just drag a pattern into the square symbol
definition area to make it available as a fill pattern for general use.
Here is a hint from John Hunt for Freehand (R) users:
First download the appropriate PDFs from the web. Then Import
the file patterns you want into Freehand (do NOT use OPEN). It then appears
(be patient!) into Freehand as many individual patterns. Select the pattern
tile you want. Then go to the menu Window/Inspectors/Fill which will bring
a floating pallette onto your worktop. Select Tiles from the pull down
menu, and hit Paste In.
Adobe Illustrator (R) version 7 (see below) or greater and Canvas (R)
version 7 or greater are required. OpenOffice 1.0 can load the provided files
but it does not have the notion of pattern fills. It is possible to emulate the effect
by merging and intersecting shapes.
Screenshots and Download
Surficial patterns: Illustrator
(6568kb), Canvas
(5396kb), EPS
(8748kb), PDF
(1453kb), SXD (1702kb)
Sedimentary patterns:
Illustrator
(544kb), Canvas
(1045kb), EPS
(869kb), PDF
(71kb), SXD (155kb)
Igneous patterns: Illustrator
(381kb), Canvas
(911kb), EPS
(516kb), PDF
(95kb), SXD (198kb)
Miscellaneous and metamorphic patterns:
Illustrator
(2126kb), Canvas
(4539kb), EPS
(17983kb), PDF
(1267kb), SXD (1371kb)
Glacial and periglacial patterns:
Illustrator
(208kb), Canvas
(214kb), EPS
(196kb), PDF
(66kb), SXD(71kb)
Sedimentary lithology patterns:
Illustrator
(1226kb), Canvas
(3606kb), EPS
(4410kb), PDF
(796kb), SXD(913kb)
Metamorphic, igneous and vein-matter lithology patterns:
Illustrator
(491kb), Canvas
(1040kb), EPS
(1246kb), PDF
(262kb), SXD(323kb)
About the conversions:
The patterns were converted by dragging each pattern from
the swatch into the drawing area in Illustrator (R). Then all "lines"
which consist only of one point were converted to ellipses of the correct
size. This took most of the work. The resulting Illustrator (R) eps file
could be imported into Canvas (R) by its native filter. In Canvas a needed
clipping path around each pattern cell was defined, a screenshot with explanations
was added and the patterns arranged according the screen shot. The eps
files are exported by Canvas without preview. The eps version can be loaded
into Illustrator 7. After ungrouping and releasing clipping paths the tiles
can be used as patterns there (Make pattern...). The pdf files were also
produced by Canvas. This pdf version can be loaded into Freehand (R). The OpenOffice
Draw (.sxd) files are the product of importing Canvas generated emf files into OO Draw
after scaling the pattern cells in Canvas to 4x their original size with pen scaling on.
Enjoy,
A. Plesch
References:
US Geological Survey, 2000, Public Review Draft - Digital Cartographic
Standard for Geologic Map Symbolization (PostScript Implementation), Prepared
in cooperation with the Geological Data Subcommittee of the Federal Geographic
Data Comittee, Open-File Report 99-430 Online Version1.0
Feedback:
Andrew Greenberg (Deneba):
These patterns are ideal for designating areas on Geologic
maps ... I have sent the link to the big oil guys in Texas like Conoco, and
Schlumberger and they love them.
Ken Galli (Boston College):
.. these symbols will go a long way to help my convert
the Superpaint files to Adobe Illustrator 9.0 documents like most of my
other graphics.
Paula Work (Cincinnati Museum):
My spouse is a biostratigrapher [David M. Work] who works
on Carboniferous ammonoids - so most often he produces biostratigraphic
columns for correlation etc. I enjoy the computer programs so I usually
transfer his drawings into the system.
We also do a series of educational projects where we introduce inner city
high-school age students to geologic maps. To help them understand
the concept we expose them to a model structure like a normal thrust fault
and then have them create a cross section and map view diagram. We
then have them work with computers - transferring their maps to digital format
using standard geologic symbols/colors.
I prefer to work on Adobe Illustrator but will take whatever I can get
my hands on. On Macintosh I use Illustrator, Freehand and Canvas.
On IBM I am limited to Corel Draw... all based on cost and licenses.
John Hunt (The Open University):
Very many thanks - vast numbers of pints of creaming
warm ale awarded if ever in UK...
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7/24/01