This guide presents the steps to convert a GIS shapefile of streets or roads into an SVG file that can be viewed and manipulated in Adobe Illustrator or similar program. For artists that would like to use geographic or spatial data such as streets or neighborhoods as part of their artwork, they could trace this data by hand from Google maps or an atlas, but there’s a much easier way: converting spatial data to SVG format so it can be used in Illustrator, GIMP or other vector image processing tool. Etsy features numerous vendors selling map inspired pieces including wall hangings, greeting cards, screen prints and pillow cases.
