Project Linework

Project Linework is a library of handcrafted vector linework for cartography, each one designed in a unique aesthetic style. It’s meant to break us away from the default line paths that we so often rely on by providing some more visually-interesting alternatives. Read more about the Project here.

The linework files below (but not necessarily the example maps) are public domain; use them as you see fit. Please consider giving credit to the author where possible. And please, feel free to drop me a line showing off the maps you’ve made using these. I and the other contributors would like to see these things in action!

Each linework set is distributed as an Esri Shapefile and as an Adobe Illustrator document (complete with projection/scale/coordinates of one point specified in the AI file, so you can reference and reproject it in MAPublisher).

We hope you’ll consider contributing a set of linework to this project. Click here for more information!

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1. Elmer Casual

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Author: Marty Elmer

Version: 1.2

Coverage: Admin 0 (countries) for North America (except some far north islands, including Greenland), Europe (excludes Russia, and Asian part of Turkey), and Japan | Admin-1 (states/provinces) for United States, Canada, and Japan

Description: Elmer Casual is a hand drawn linework set for select parts of the world. It was originally created by tracing a new set of linework atop standard, geographically-accurate shapefiles pulled from Natural Earth. It lends personality to a map, giving things a unique, informal, handmade feeling. Given the loose nature of the lines, should reproject fairly well into your preferred coordinate system. Originally drawn on a Gall Stereographic projection.

Click to Download: Archive containing Shapefile and Adobe Illustrator (CS3) formats

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2. Geo-Metro

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Author: Daniel P. Huffman

Version: 1.1

Coverage: North America only.  Coastline | Admin-0 (countries) | Admin-1 (states/provinces) for US, Canada | Large lakes | Major rivers

Description: Geo-Metro is constructed entirely of straight lines and circular arcs, reducing areas to a simple geometry. The arcs won’t be perfect circles upon reprojecting (drawn with a Lambert Conformal Conic, parallels 20N/60N), but they should hold up pretty well under a little distortion. Really brings the shapes of the states and countries to people’s attention. Has a modern (or perhaps futuristic), technical, artificial feel.

Click to Download: Archive containing Shapefile and Adobe Illustrator (CS3) formats

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3. Liana

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Author: Sarah Bennett

Version: 1.0

Coverage: North America only.  Coastline | Admin-0 (countries) | Admin-1 (states/provinces) for United States | Large lakes

Description: Calligraphy and arabesque ornamentation inspired this linework for North America and the US States. It is named after the infinite travels, loops, and tendrils of the woody vines known as lianas. It distinguishes itself by bringing elegance, fantasy, and visual movement to your map.

Click to Download: Archive containing Shapefile and Adobe Illustrator (CS3) formats

Notes: This linework set is constructed of polygons, to preserve the brush characteristics.

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4. Times Approximate

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Author: Based upon a New York Times map entitled “How the Various States Voted in the Presidential Election of 1916 and 1924,” printed October 28th, 1928. This map is included in the archive file. The New York Times credits John A. O’Donnell for the original map upon which theirs is based. Traced, adjusted, and expanded by Daniel P. Huffman.

Version: 1.0

Coverage: Admin-1 (states/provinces) for the lower 48 United States | Admin 0 (countries) for United States, parts of Mexico and Canada

Description: Hand-drawn and pleasantly (but not severely) inaccurate, this set of linework calls back to newspaper maps of the pre-digital era. It’s smooth and casual, but authoritative. Can be used to fight dull neutrality in modern maps, or, with the right graphic techniques, can transport a map back to the previous century. Originally drawn on a Mercator projection; should retain its character well when reprojected into your favorite coordinate system.

Click to Download: Archive containing Shapefile and Adobe Illustrator (CS3) formats

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5. Twenty Seventy

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Author: Marty Elmer

Version: 1.0

Coverage: North America only, excluding some arctic islands.  Admin-0 (countries) | Admin-1 (states/provinces) for United States, Canada

Description: Named for its abundance of 20- and 70-degree lines, Twenty Seventy is all about being simple, clean, and angular. It has a decidedly technical and digital flavor, while still being functional and personable. Works best when kept in a cylindrical projection, such as Gall Stereographic or Web Mercator.

Click to Download: Archive containing Shapefile and Adobe Illustrator (CS3) formats

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6. Charmingly Inaccurate

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Author: Derived from a 1920 broadside map entitled “The Rights of the People—Women are People: Suffrage Victory Map.” Equal Suffrage League of Virginia Papers, Acc. 22002, Library of Virginia. Source map included in archive. Traced, adjusted, and edited by Daniel P. Huffman.

Version: 1.0

Coverage: Admin-1 (states) for the lower 48 United States | Admin 0 (countries) for United States

Description: A caricature of the lower 48 United States, this linework set is recognizable and friendly, but not concerned with such stuffy notions as “cartographic accuracy.” It’s that friend you have who’s always embellishing his stories. You never mind his lying, though, because the exaggerations make things more fun. Go ahead, enjoy the story your map is telling.

Click to Download: Archive containing Shapefile and Adobe Illustrator (CS3) formats