I want to make a map of my sampling sites in the Himalayas. So i am looking for software to make a geographic map. PLEASE suggest a good free software or cracked version. Thanks!
In the free statistic program R you can generate nice maps with detailed informations using different packages. However, it needs a little time to learn the functions of R. For examples see here:
http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/scicomp/usecases/CreateMapsWithRGraphics
also in my opinion Quantum GIS is the best option
it is also integrated with Grass, a very powerful software for managing and processing geographical and terrain data
an other powerful tool, mostly for processing DEM and terrain data, is Saga GIS
(not very user friendly though)
You can also contact Midland Valley for their academic initiative.
Quantum GIS for manipulation and heavy lifitng; Inkscape for the final touches
I am a GIS PhD student so I'm fine using full GIS Desktop software, however, if you are new to mapping and GIS, I would recommend something easier than ArcGIS or even Quatum GIS if you are doing a really simple map. Cartodb is a nice and free option that is really easy to use, even for novices for making a simple map with data in hand. https://cartodb.com. If you have to do any analysis, then Quantum GIS (free) may be better, especially because ArcGIS can be pretty expensive if you don't have access to it. Here is a really quick interactive map I made without any training in cartodb in about 30 minutes! http://cdb.io/1ihWxYv Good Luck!
I'm with Jennifer, I'm also a PhD student working with environmental cartography, and if you don't have the possibility of using ArcGIS, you can try with Quantum GIS or with gvSIG. Personally I have used gvSIG for one study area of my thesis and the results are fantastic, depends of the things that you are thinking to do.
Good luck!
Alberto
I recommend a combination of GIS and graphic software - I have a good experience with a combination of QGIS and Inkscape. GIS is needed for the formation of basic spatial visualization and graphics software is suitable for special graphic effects and graphic design.
Use of inkscape software might be helpful in this regard.
It is free vector graphics software available for multiple platform where you can edit any kind of vector graphics content
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