How to Tone a Map with Photoshop
Maps are functional artworks. Toning a map involves adding an overall tint or adding discreet colors to different areas on the map. It is important to maintain legibility and enhance the clarity of a map when any enhancement is done. Use Photoshop's layering function to build levels of color. Make use of transparency and blending options to add color without obscuring text or symbols. Antique a map by adding a sepia tone and hand-darkening edges.
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Instructions
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Start up Photoshop and upload or scan in your map image. Open the image in Photoshop. Choose "Layer" and "Duplicate Layer" from the Menu bar and pull-down menu.
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Click on the "Foreground Color" box in the "Toolbox" palette. Choose a pastel-blue color from the "Color Picker." Click "OK" to return to the image screen.
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Click on the "Magic Tool" in the "Toolbox Palette." Click on your image inside an area you want to tone or color. A segmented line appears surrounding your selected area. Notice that map text is protected from the area you want to color. Click and hold on the "Gradient Tool" in the "Toolbox Palette." Choose "Paint Bucket" from the options that appear. Click on top of your selection area. The selection fills with pastel blue.
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Hit "Command" and "D" to deselect the now-colored area. Choose "Layer" and "Duplicate Layer" from the Menu bar and pull-down menu. Click on the "Foreground Color" box and choose a pastel yellow from the "Color Picker." Click on the "Magic Tool" on the "Toolbox Palette." Click on a new area you want to color. Choose the "Paint Bucket" icon and click in the middle of your selection. The new selection fills with pastel yellow.
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Continue duplicating the latest layer and adding isolated patches of color until you are satisfied with the way the map looks. Choose "Layer" and "Flatten Image."
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Choose "Layer" and "New Layer." Click on the "Foreground Color" box and select a red-brown color from the "Color Picker." Click on the "Paint Bucket" icon and then click on the image screen. Your new layer fills with the red-brown color and covers your map image.
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Change the "Blending Option" at the top of the "Layers Control" palette from "Normal" to "Overlay." Your map reappears and has an antique sepia tone.
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Choose "Layer" and "Flatten Image." Click and hold on the "Dodge Tool" icon and select the "Burn Tool" from the options bar. Click and drag on the corners of the map image to darken them, duplicating the look of a well-worn document.
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Tips & Warnings
Lessen the "Opacity" of your red-brown color layer to attenuate the sepia-tone effect.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit chinese map image by yang xiaofeng from Fotolia.com
