Scientific and Technical Publishing Services |
Current Research Instructions |
Proactive disclosure Print version ![Print version Print version](/web/20061103014556im_/http://ess.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_printversion2.gif) ![ÿ](/web/20061103014556im_/http://ess.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_spacer.gif) | ![ÿ](/web/20061103014556im_/http://ess.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_spacer.gif) | ![Earth Sciences Sector Earth Sciences Sector](/web/20061103014556im_/http://ess.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/ess_e.jpeg) Natural Resources Canada > Earth Sciences Sector > Publishing Services > Editorial/Digital Design
Current Research Instructions Guidelines for figure preparation
- Submit all figures in digital format at final reproduction size using one
of the software applications listed below.
- All line drawings that make use of geological patterns must
be accompanied by a second version which substitutes colour
for patterns.
- Be sure to submit the latest version of digital files for figures.
- Submit paper copy for editing for both the colour and black-and-white versions
of figures.
- When choosing colour for line drawings, use the RGB colour palette.
- Identify all native file formats used for graphics.
- Photographs may be submitted in colour or black & white.
- It is preferable to have all scanning of photographs done in-house to maintain
quality and consistency.
- For those who have access to scanning services in-house or outside please
note the following:
- Photographs should be scanned at 300 dpi, at final size.
- Text and linework should be prepared separately from photograph.
- Please provide a .tif file for the photograph and a separate file for
text and linework overlay. The separate file can be .eps, .cdr (CorelDraw),
or .ai (Adobe Illustrator).
- Files scanned in-house must be accompanied by the 'file name' by which
it is stored with Digital Imaging.
- Electronic graphics can be accepted on the following media: 3 1/2 inch diskettes,
100 or 250 MB Zip cartridge, and CD-ROM.
- Figures can be transported using the following methods:
- Create a folder on Q:\scratch drive (available only to internal authors),
and notify the Digital Design section immediately that the files are there (Debby Busby , e-mail Debby.Busby@NRCan.gc.ca).
- FTP using the following site: ftp.nrcan.gc.ca using an anonymous login.
When file transfer is complete, contact Digital Design section with site
and directory names for retrieval.
- No redrafting will be undertaken after submission
- Bitmap (raster) files – Bitmaps are image files produced using a grid
format in which each square (or pixel) is set to one level of black, colour,
or grey. One square is equal to one dot/pixel, hence "dots per inch"
(dpi). Typically, bitmaps are used for photographic images. (*.tif format
is preferred.) The proper resolution should be used when submitting bitmap
artwork. The minimum requirements for resolution are 600 dpi at final size,
for line art, 1200 dpi for finelines at final size, (line art with fine lines
or shading), 300 dpi for halftones at final size,and 600 dpi for combinations
at final size,(halftones with lettering outside the photo area).
- Vector files – Vector files are image files produced using elements
such as lines and shapes. Typically these files are used for line drawings.
The preferred software application for creating vector images is CorelDraw
(versions 5.0, 7.0, and 8.0). For other applications that can be used, see
the list below.
- Bitmaps inside vector files – Bitmaps can be imported into vector/draw
applications only for the purpose of adding and overlaying information, lines,
text, etc. Bitmaps should not be resized, cropped, rotated, or otherwise manipulated
after importing.
- Scale must be indicated graphically. Please supply a separate .tif file
for the photo.
- Figures and tables must not cover more than 5 printed pages.
- Full-page figures should be a maximum of 17.5 cm x 23 cm.
- Column figures should be a maximum of 8.5 cm x 23 cm.
- Do not use large graphics which have been masked out to show only a portion
of the figure. This extra information must be edited out. Remember that the
digital information (behind the mask) is still there when these files are
exported for import into our desktop software.
- If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the Digital Design section
before submitting digital files in order to avoid last-minute problems.
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ELECTRONIC ILLUSTRATION FILES
Platforms/applications supported by the Digital Design section |
Listed below are applications that we support with their preferred (*.xxx)
extensions. Files from all these applications must be submitted as indicated
with proper extensions to be useable.
If the application doesn't appear in this list, please submit as a *.eps, or
*.tif. On the diskette label, identify the software name and version, and if
the files have been imported from another software. Please remember to include
the correct file extension with the filename. NOTE: Diskettes should always
be accompanied by original laser printouts, with their resolution in dpi clearly
noted. Electronic files (i.e. figure number and figure content) should match
camera-ready copies.
Applications |
Save or export format |
Adobe Photoshop 5.0, 6.0 |
*.psd, *.tif |
Adobe Illustrator 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 |
*.ai, *.eps |
Canvas 5.0 |
*.cv5, *.pict |
CorelDraw 5.0, 7.0, & 8.0, 9.0, 10 |
*.cdr |
CorelDraw 9.0 |
*.cdr (saved as version 8.0) |
FreeHand 7.0 & 8.0 |
*.fh7, *.fh8 |
Excel 5.0 & 7.0 |
*.xls |
Some minimum line weight and shade settings |
CorelDraw 5.0, 7.0, & 8.0, 9.0, 10
- Minimum pen width should be set at 0.36 points.
- Minimum percentage fill should be 15-20%.
- Standard geological patterns (CorelDraw) can be found at Q:\public\desktop\patterns.
These patterns have been created using appropriate pen widths. For a legend
of these patterns, see file called "legend.cdr". Note: If you use these patterns
please indicate so by adding the following under your figure "GSC patterns".
- If customized pattern fills are necessary, please supply the .pat file with
figure.
- Check default pen widths within patterns. A minimum of 0.36 points also
applies. Minimum percentage fill should be 20%.
Canvas, Adobe Illustrator, MiniCad
- Minimum line weights are as follows:
Canvas 0.5 pt
Adobe Illustrator 0.5 pt
MiniCad 7 mils
These minimum line weights also apply to patterns. Percentage tints (fills)
should be between 20% and 80%.
AutoCAD
Native AutoCAD files are not supported by the Digital Design section, however postscript
files from AutoCAD can be imported into CorelDraw.
Transfering MapInfo maps into CorelDraw |
The following procedures allow you to bring maps created in MapInfo into CorelDraw.
Although text created in MapInfo can be exported to CorelDraw, it is preferable
that the text is typed in CorelDraw. The text is then easier to edit.
It is recommended that individual MapInfo layers (or a group of similar layers)
be brought into CorelDraw separately to preserve the layering structure.
The following was tested with MapInfo 4.5 and CorelDraw 8.0, on a personal
computer (Windows 95).
The principle of this transfer is to copy individual map layers from a MapInfo
map window to CorelDraw using the "Paste special options".
- In MapInfo, create a map window, and make sure that all lines have a minimum
thickness of 0.5 point.
- In MapInfo, once you have selected the scale of your map make sure that
you do not move or change the size of your map window throughout the following
steps.
Tip: Create a work space in MapInfo in case you accidentally resize a
window.
- In MapInfo, make a single layer (or group of similar layers) visible using
the layer control window.
- In MapInfo, under "Edit", select "Copy map window".
- Switch to CorelDraw and select under "Layout", "Object manager" and create
a new layer. Make this layer active.
- Select "Edit"-"Paste special". You then have four options offered. You might
need to do some testing. If you select "Picture (enhanced metafile)", it will
create a series of objects that can be ungrouped and edited. Do not move any
objects until you have brought all MapInfo layers into CorelDraw.
- Return to MapInfo and repeat steps 3 to 6.
Tip: To ensure that each layer is properly located in CorelDraw, create
a tag layer" in MapInfo that will contain reference points. Leave that layer
visible throughout the transfer process and individual points should fall
on each other once they are brought into CorelDraw.
- Once all layers are in CorelDraw, a new layer can be created with text.
Tip: When the transfer is completed, save your MapInfo map window as a
workspace in case you have to make future modifications to the maps (e.g.
import a new MapInfo layer, modify a MapInfo layer, etc.).
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Transfering MapInfo maps into Adobe Illustrator |
The following procedure allows you to bring MapInfo maps into Adobe Illustrator.
MapInfo text transferred into Adobe Illustrator will be easily editable. But
to use the full capabilities of Adobe Illustrator (e.g. text along path), you
might want to consider typing text in Adobe Illustrator only.
It is recommended that individual MapInfo layers (or a group of similar layers)
be brought into Adobe Illustrator separately to preserve the layered structure.
The following was tested with MapInfo 4.5 and Adobe Illustrator 7.0, on a PC
platform (Windows 95).
The principle of this transfer is to create postscript files that represent
individual MapInfo layers which are then opened in Adobe Illustrator and layered
accordingly.
- In MapInfo, create a "Map" window and a "Layout" window. Make sure that
all lines have a minimum thickness of 0.5 point.
- Once you have selected the scale of your map, make sure you do not move
or change the size of either your map window or layout window throughout the
following procedures.
Tip: Create a workspace in MapInfo in case you accidentally resize a window.
- Make a single layer visible (or group of similar layers) using the layer-control
window.
- With the layout window active, create a temporary postscript file by selecting
"File"-"Print" and checking the "print to file" box. Store this file in a
temporary folder and give it an ".ai" extension (Adobe Illustrator extension).
Important note: Some printer drivers might work better than others to
create postscript files. Good results were achieved using the Tektronix phaser
540 printer driver. Testing with different drivers might be required on your
part.
- Switch to Adobe Illustrator and open the new file you have just created.
If it does not open, make sure that it has the ".ai" extension or else return
to step 4 and try to create another postscript file with another printer driver.
Save this new file in Adobe Illustrator format. With the layer palette, give
this first layer a name and create a new layer.
- Return to MapInfo and repeat steps 3 to 5. Each postscript file is copied
onto a different layer.
Tip: To ensure that each layer is properly located in Adobe Illustrator,
create a "tag layer" in MapInfo that will contain reference points. Leave
that layer active throughout the transfer process and individual points should
fall on each other once brought into Adobe Illustrator.
- Once all layers are brought into Adobe Illustrator a new text layer can
be created.
Tip: When the transfer is completed, save your MapInfo map and layout
windows as a workspace in case you have to make future modifications to the
maps (e.g. import a new MapInfo layer, modify a MapInfo layer, etc.).
DesignCAD, ArcInfo
Native file formats from DesignCAD and ArcInfo are not supported by the Digital Design section.
Please contact the Digital Design section (Debby Busby,
e-mail Debby.Busby@RNCan.gc.ca) before
submitting digital files in order to avoid last-minute problems with compatibility.
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