Q: How does Making Maps relate to GIS software?
A: Making Maps focuses on the mapping side of GIS, or any software that allows you to design and create maps. The examples in the book were not, for the most part, created with desktop GIS software. This is because it is difficult (if not impossible) to achieve (carto)graphic excellence in contemporary GIS software. Most design cartographers who use GIS exit GIS software and design their work in software like Illustrator, Freehand, or Corel Draw. The design capacity of GIS software will undoubtedly improve. Making Maps provides exemplary design and ideals to shoot for. If you can’t do something shown or suggested in Making Maps with the GIS software you happen to be using, complain to the software company, and get a copy of Illustrator, Freehand, or Corel. Such software are not that difficult to learn and will provide you with a multitude of creative design options not available to you in typical GIS software. Your maps, in other words, will be better. A diversity of software for working with geographic information exists, and is evolving and developing on a daily basis. Making Maps defines design guidelines, principles, and exemplars which transcend the diversity (and limitations) of constantly evolving GIS software.