Do you sell paper maps?
We don't think so . . . What's a paper map?
Do you have online directions?
Yes, go to maps.google.com. See ya!
Do you print maps?
Well, that would be a paper map, wouldn't it? No, we do not print maps. We can offer you a digital map and suggest you take the file to a printer or a place like Kinkos.
Why do you deliver the maps in Illustrator format?
We now offer PDF maps as well. Anyone who even occasionally carries the label Graphic Artist is familiar with Adobe Illustrator graphic design software. However, you don't have to be a graphic designer to use the programs to make a few adjustments to a couple of maps.
The beauty of Illustrator is that absolutely everything is 100% editable by the end user. You can change anything. The problem with Photoshop, JPEG, PDF, and TIFF files is that they're not fully editable. Our files are logically layered and vector maps. This means a road is a single line. You can select (and edit) just one road or select them all. You can give the affect of double line roads and change the stroke width. Each category of road will be on a separate layer to make fast global one-stroke changes. You can move a lake, delete a lake, fill it with a pink color, and name it after your first born child. Our text is actually TEXT just like in your word processing applications. Again, everything is editable. Everything!
Our Illustrator maps can be exported to Photoshop or the web. Prepare the file in Illustrator, then export it. Want to add a few cities? Just open the original Illustrator file, make the changes, and re-export.
What does vector map mean?
The digital map is made up of lines and text. All elements can be edited or scaled. You can fill a county with a fill color or pattern. The opposite of vector map is raster map. Raster is an image made up of a collection of pixels. You cannot edit individual elements and will lose image resolution when enlarging.
Do we have high resolution maps?
Yes, since the maps are vector format, you can enlarge them while maintaining the high resolution.
I'd like to send the map to my client but they do not have Adobe Illustrator?
You may save the Illustrator map as a PDF map and email it to them.
Do you offer training?
We deliver the maps with all the functionality that Adobe Illustrator offers. If you are familiar with Illustrator, you can use our maps. If you get stuck, contact us and we can usually help solve your problem.
Why shouldn't I just scan an existing map?
We thought you might be interested in hearing about the risks involved with scanning, then tracing, a copyrighted map. As an industry insider, we can tell you these risks shouldn't be trivialized.
Did you know that all map publishers place traps in their maps? Rand McNally places at least six in every nine square inches. What are traps? A trap is simply a benign intentional error. Should you copy a map, all Rand McNally has to do is ask the judge, What is the probability that they'd (you) spell 'Nelson Road' 'Nelsen Road' like we did?-that they'd bend County Road 24 the wrong way like we did?-that they'd place and label a Miller's Pond, which doesn't exist, exactly where we did?-and that State Road 95 would widen to four lanes precisely three blocks before it actually does, just like we did? It is impossible to scan and trace a commercially available copyrighted map without falling into a few traps.
Due to scanning technology, every major map publishing company has hired full-time representation to prosecute those who build maps from their copyrighted documents. The International Map Trade Association (IMTA) has hired a lobbying organization to strengthen the already stringent laws. And don't think it's just the big boys who prosecute. If anything, small map publishers are even more territorial.
Creative Force offers a legitimate alternative to scanning, allowing you to build an asset of your own.
Why shouldn't I just use Google Maps?
Seriously, have you read their Terms of Service? Have you ever tried to call them? If you use one of their maps, everyone knows it's a map from Google. The Google copyright must be there and you can't edit the map for your needs. We will create the map for you that you have the rights to do what you want. Our philosophy is buy an asset, don't license.
Can I edit the digital maps?
There isn't anything you can't edit in Illustrator. That's why we insist on delivering our products in these formats. You can change colors, add anything (cities and roads), fonts, and layer structure. You can even delete anything you want forever. Bad night in Reno? . . . backspace.
What are layers?
A layer is an organizational structure for a logical grouping of map elements. For example, neighborhood roads would be on a different layer than Interstates, lakes, or city names, etc. When you select all on a layer, you select everything on that layer and nothing else. Want a state map with nothing but the county boundaries and county names? . . . just turn off all the other layers.
Why can't I edit your sample?
Maybe a layer is locked. Just unlock the layer using the 'Layers Palette Window'.
I like the map, but do you have one with less detail?
Just turn off layers until the detail meets your requirements.
Can I crop the map to show a smaller area?
Absolutely, you can crop it or mask in Adobe Illustrator.
Can I print the map really big?
Yes, our high resolution maps can be printed as large as you care to print them.
Do the maps come with street indexes?
No, but we can generate a street index of any Adobe Illustrator map for a fee of $75 per index.
Can I use your maps on my iPhone?
We couldn't resist that one. While we can't compete with the MAPS button, you can email yourself a PDF and view it!
What's your return policy?
We offer a 30 Day Money-back Satisfaction Guarantee on all stock map products.
Creative Force, Inc. adheres to the highest levels of Internet sales integrity. We've been in business for over twenty years: we are leaders in our industry in every respect.
We have made substantial efforts to allow you to make an informed purchase decision regarding any product on this site.
In interest of your time, we ask that you please zoom in on the map or download the PDF. All detail is visible on every stock map we sell. You can also download a representative sample in Illustrator from all of our series from the Sample Maps page.
What do you mean by 'royalty free'?
We mean use the map as you wish; there is no further charge. We expect you to use the map for publication and web display. You may also use it for broadcast. It does not mean that if you are a member of a verifiable royal family, our maps are free. Rights are transferred upon full payment. See full royalty-free license agreement.
What about copyrights?
Once the map resides within your layout, you may copyright the composition. There is no need to reference Creative Force, Inc. in your composition.
Our only issue regarding copyrights is that you are not permitted to create digital products for resale from our maps. In other words, don't compete with us with our own product within our own marketplace.
Can I give a copy of the map to another person in my office?
Yes, you can.
Can I import an Excel spreadsheet into the map with the addresses of my customers and automatically pinpoint locations?
No, but we can. Call for details.
Why can't I play with the fully functional Illustrator map I'm interested in before purchase?
We've occasionally experienced difficulties receiving payment from individuals who have already received the product free of charge. You're not in heaven yet.
Are all maps available for download 24/7?
Almost. You can download every single product except some of our County Maps. If you prefer to make a phone order, we will email you the map. Keep in mind that we staff our office M-F, 9-6 EST.
Why can't I order the County maps online?
Did you know there are over 3,000 counties in the US and we offer them in two different formats. That makes over 6,000 counties. We counted them. We generate the County maps as needed so it will take us 1-3 days. Please call and we will advise on the availability. Instead of downloading the County maps from our site, you will receive the map via email.
What's the difference between a County Overview' and a Street Map Template'?
A County Overview' is designed to be used at maybe 11' x 14' depending on the shape and size of the county. It is a nice polished overview of the county containing the towns, major water, landmarks, major roads and major road names. It also contains a layer of the neighborhood roads so you can see the grid network of streets and identify intersections but they are not named, nor is there space to name them.
A Street Map Template' is designed to be used at maybe 60' x 70' depending on the shape and size of the county. It contains the towns, major water, landmarks, major roads, and all the neighborhood roads and road names. There is some esthetic clean-up necessary so we suggest you have some expertise with Illustrator before purchasing this product. We'd be happy to help you decide which product is best for you.
How are the map files delivered?
Maps are delivered online (downloaded).
Are the maps available on CD?
Sure, for a small shipping & handling fee.
Can I be billed?
Yes, if you set-up an account with us.
Do you have quantity discounts?
Please call to inquire.
Can I preview the map before I purchase?
Yes, using the zoom function you can see everything in the map . . . all detail . . . accurate north, south, east and west boundaries.
You can also view the map in PDF format. If you zoom in on our PDFs you are seeing the actual map. The watermark is included for protection. Some of the data has been rasterized so if you zoom in far enough, you may see the resolution degrade. Be assured that the vector map you purchase will be full resolution.
We understand some of you are very concerned with layer structure and element composition. So, you may download a fully functional Illustrator map from that series from the Sample Maps page. This should be all you need to make an educated, comfortable decision.
Will I receive an invoice if I order online?
Yes, you will get an E-mail order acknowledgement.
If I don't want to give my credit card number via the Internet, can I call to order?
Of course. We enjoy talking on the phone. We'd like you to know that we have taken every remedy to secure your private information. We're consumers too.
Will you handle my personal information responsibly?
We promise. We never sell or give any information to anyone. We never have, we never will. You'll notice that our order forms do not include any market-research-type queries. It's none of our business how many people are in your company or how often you order maps. We never E-mail our clients more than once a month.
What's the weather like in Tampa?
Winter: Sunny and 72 degrees
Summer: Sunny and 89 degrees
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