There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the open source web mapping platform called TileMill, mainly for its massive map styling capabilities and apparent* ease of use. If nothing else, you at least have to visit their map gallery and browse some of the innovative mapping techniques on display.
Also, take a look at the help file Compositing Operations for a guide to all the ways that TileMill can change the textures and styles of your webmaps. Hat tip Bill Morris
Running Routes built with TileMill, by Tom MacWright
*I say “apparent” because I haven’t actually used it yet. But from what I can tell, it is easy in the sense that a lot of other webmap platforms are a bit difficult in comparison. That, of course, doesn’t mean that TileMill is easy when compared to, say, Illustrator or ArcGIS if drag-drop is what you’re used to.
#1 by François Goulet on September 27, 2012 - 4:54 am
It is very easy to use. I had no prior experience in CSS (maps are styles using CartoCSS, a CSS-like language for maps) and using their online tutorials and was able to set up my first map in less that 30 minutes. Signed up for a free Mapbox account and my map was online in 5 minutes.
In the end, with a little practice, it not longer than symbolizing a number of layers in ArcMap (just think at the countless clicks that are needed to add a halo to text…)
#2 by Gretchen on September 27, 2012 - 8:24 am
I counted the clicks once. I believe it was about 5 to get the halo, then another 5 clicks on “OK” before it applies the change. Definitely a good argument for trying out the CSS method via TileMill. I’ll give it a go today.