Software for distribution-maps

[Barry Roth]

BioLink (previously discussed here under taxonomic databases) has a mapping function that allows plotting of data points, lines, and rectangles.  The geographic base maps are ESRI shape files, as used in ArcView, and you can use multiple map layers, such as vegetation type and precipitation, if you can find them in the suitable format for your area.
It requires the commitment to learn the basics of a full-featured database system, but in terms of the functions provided, that should not be too burdensome.
Barry Roth
 Torbj?rn Tyler <Torbjorn.Tyler at SYSBOT.LU.SE> wrote: Hi!

Is there anyone out there who know about any compter program (for PC or Mac) that is particularily useful in constructing distribution-maps? I am used to doing this by scanning a suitable background-map and drawing dots on it by a conventional drawing program. When I have geographical coordinates (which is far from always the case) I have tried to use a calculation program to make a scatter-plot with dots that can be superimposed on my scanned map, but this only works on a map-projection with right angels (i.e. assuming a flat earth)...

How do people make distribution-map these days? I guess there are many different practices but I would be interested in knowing them all because I plan to draw some 1000 maps in the near future...

Torbj?rn Tyler


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