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MAPublisher

by Avenza Systems · Since 1995
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Active1+ countriesCloud
Quick facts
VendorAvenza Systems
Year launched1995
StatusActive
LocationPO Box 48033 RPO Davisville Toronto, ON M4S 3C6 Canada
Countries served1+
Languages5
Integrations2+
Free tierN/A
Free trialYES
Contact salesN/A

About MAPublisher

MAPublisher is a mapping software from Avenza Systems that focuses on integrating GIS data with Adobe Illustrator. It provides tools for cartography, data visualization, and map production so users can create detailed and accurate maps with ease. The software includes features such as geospatial data import, customizable map design, and the ability to export various file formats. Users can also take advantage of advanced labeling options and coordinate system support. MAPublisher is designed for cartographers, GIS professionals, and designers that need to produce high-quality maps and visual representations of spatial data. Key capabilities: geospatial data import customizable map design advanced labeling options coordinate system support multiple export formats Best for: professionals that need to create detailed maps from GIS data.

MAPublisher is a powerful GIS plug-in that transforms Adobe Illustrator into a complete cartographic production environment, giving users the ability to create visually refined, publication-quality maps while preserving all underlying geospatial accuracy. Its strength lies in seamlessly merging GIS precision with Illustrator’s design capabilities, allowing cartographers, GIS professionals, and designers to import industry-standard data formats—such as Esri files, MapInfo data, WFS/WMS layers, geodatabases, and even ArcMap documents—directly into Illustrator with full georeferencing and attribute tables intact. The software provides more than fifty specialized tools, enabling users to perform geoprocessing tasks, manage projections, manipulate layers, and create thematic maps through data-driven MAP Themes that automatically apply styles and symbols based on attribute values. MAPublisher’s optional LabelPro extension is one of its standout features, using rule-based logic and an advanced placement engine to automate complex label placement and minimize manual cleanup, which is typically one of the most time-consuming parts of map production.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • The software integrates geospatial workflows directly into design tools, reducing reliance on separate GIS applications.
  • It uses a maintenance model rather than a subscription model, keeping updates manageable.
  • It supports importing a wide range of GIS data formats and allows them to be matched together.
  • Cropping on import from GeoDatabase and other crop functions save significant time.
  • Labeling options are robust, especially with the optional LabelPro module.
Cons
  • The software can be difficult to initially learn, with a steep learning curve for some features.
  • Updates must be retrieved manually rather than automatically, which can be inconvenient.
  • Reliance on subscription software is seen as a drawback by some users.
  • The program occasionally freezes during complex tasks, requiring frequent saving and restarting.
  • Training courses have been criticized for being too basic and not explaining tool interactions clearly.

Features

Key features

Seamless Adobe Illustrator Integration

Integrates over fifty GIS mapping tools directly into the Adobe Illustrator interface for cartography.

Extensive Geospatial Format Support

Imports leading GIS industry data formats with all attributes and georeferencing kept intact.

Geospatial Interoperability

Facilitates quick import of various data formats and export to different print and digital formats, including web maps.

Complete Cartographic Workflow

Combines powerful graphic design tools with geospatial precision from raw data to a published, high-quality map.

Highly Compatible with Adobe Ecosystem

Works on both Mac and Windows and is compatible with the latest Adobe Illustrator releases.

MAPublisher Tools/Panels

Provides specialized tools to manage map layers, view attributes, create stylesheets, and plot points.

Additional features

MAPublisher Integration

Seamlessly integrates over fifty GIS mapping tools into the Adobe Illustrator environment.

Import Geospatial Data

Imports industry-standard GIS data formats from sources like Esri, Google, MapInfo, and WFS/WMS services.

Attributes and Georeferencing Intact

Ensures all data attributes and georeferencing are maintained and fully editable upon import.

Seamless Integration

MAPublisher panels and tools can be resized, moved, and docked within the Adobe Illustrator interface.

Map Layers Management

Provides tools to quickly manage map layers.

View Map Attributes

Allows users to view the attributes associated with the map data.

Create and Edit Theme Stylesheets

Enables the creation and modification of theme stylesheets for map design.

Create Selection Filters

Offers tools to create selection filters for data analysis.

Plot Points

Allows users to plot points on the map.

Geospatial Interoperability

Facilitates the quick import of various data formats and export to different file formats.

High-Quality Map Product Creation

Helps cartographers and GIS professionals create high-quality map products efficiently.

Export to Digital and Print Formats

Allows publishing maps to print and digital formats, including web maps and maps for mobile devices.

Cartographic Workflow

Combines graphic design tools and geospatial precision to create visually-rich maps from raw data to publishing.

Mac and Windows Compatibility

The software is available and compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.

Latest Adobe Illustrator Compatibility

Works with the latest release of Adobe Illustrator, ensuring access to the newest graphic design tools.

License Options

Offers both fixed single and floating licenses.

Extensive Geospatial Format Support

Supports importing a wide range of leading GIS industry formats.

Pricing

Free trial
Free version
Request a quote
Promo Offer

Countries & Languages

1
Countries served
5
Interface languages
6
Billing currencies

Available in

All Countries.

Interface languages

EnglishFrenchGermanJapaneseSpanish.

Billing currencies

🇺🇸USD🇪🇺EUR🇬🇧GBP🇦🇺AUD🇨🇦CAD🇯🇵JPY

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