If you’ve ever created maps using ESRI software, you know that ArcMap is great for data manipulation, but has limited graphic design functionality. Maps designed entirely in ArcMap all tend to look the same. Recently, I’ve learned how to use ArcMap in conjunction with Adobe Illustrator to create more visually appealing maps.
Below, a map of Southeastern Wisconsin made entirely in ArcMap (top) compared to a map created in ArcMap but then given some graphical flourishes in Illustrator (bottom):
Map made in Arc GIS 10
Arc map imported into Adobe ilustrator for editing.