That's why I prefer to work in a vector app like Xara instead of an image editor like GIMP. Vector is just lines of connected points and bezier curves, but then Xara allows me to fill it with a photo texture while rotations, resizing and controling texture repeating, apply a feather, transparency, etc. Howver doing all this is resolution independant.
I start with a defined measured drawing area, say 18" x 24", use a dot grid to keep scale in mind as I create my pen tool drawn shapes, I use as high a resolution fill photo texture as possible, so I can work at any size (there are resolution issues with texture fills.)
Once I complete a map, then I export to JPG, PSD, TIF, PDF, PNG and determine the ppi resolution at that time only. I did not have to think about resolution as I create the map, only at export to final image format does resolution matter - and I can export 300 ppi or 50 ppi, as two different files.
Image Editing apps like Photoshop, GIMP, and other "paint programs" force you to determine resolution at the start of the file creation, and that becomes the only optimal file size, changing ppi resolution on the fly can create artifacts in the pixel display due to different number of pixels describing the original. If you start with screen resolution blank map - you can't effectively print it a high resolution at large scale, as it will become horribly pixelated.
This problem is not an issue using vector apps. I can export the same map to large format, high resolution, as a MapTool ready 100 ppi PNG without artifact or pixelizatino issues, as a vector is resolution independant until export is required to final format - for each of its intended uses. More versatility. And not sucking as much resources, hardly at all, as multi-layered image files in GIMP or PS. I'm not knocking image editors. I use them often, but usually with intended texture fills before I import to Xara, or as post-editing work (almost unheard of for me, almost), then the file is in its intended file size - I can do things with image editors, that Xara cannot.
Because of different philosophies in map creation between vector hybrids and full image editors - its always a stumbling block when trying to print customer maps, not being able to make your final map whatever resolution you want at the moment almost seems alien to me, really.
Its one of the many reasons, I prefer mapping in vector versus image editors, despite the masterpieces created by them in this forum. Keep in mind I do use image editors often and "fluently", its just not my preferred weapon of choice.
Reply With Quote