Abstracted Maps

First we need to find a map that shows the place you want to work on. Take a screenshot of a map and import this into Google Drawings. Select "Insert" and "Image" to find the screenshot on your computer.

This tutorial is about how we can work in Google Drawings to make abstractions of maps – inspired by maps like these.

The abstractions can then be used for different purposes, e.g. as a template for a stencil cutout.

In Google Drawings you have several easy to use tools that make you able to trace the main shapes in the map. Use the "Segmented line"-tool to create complex shapes.

Each shape becomes a separate object and you can change the colour of the fill and the outline:

In Google Drawings every line becomes a vector. That means that every part of what you draw can be easily manipulated. In this case I want to adjust the shape of the largest green object. This is done by double clicking on the object and then adjusting the small circles that define the outline of the shape. At the end I mark the red object and move i to the front of the image. Every object you draw can be moved back and forward in this way:

You can explore this drawing yourself. Make a copy and do your own changes.

Finally I remove the picture of the map and the result becomes a plain, abstracted map. This can be printed and used in various ways.

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