MAPublisher Reviews
Find below a summary of the latest reviews and editorial commentaries about Avenza and MAPublisher that have appeared in publications which serve the mapping, GIS and graphics industries.
In addition to these product reviews please checkout our news pages which contain additional press items about our company and products.
MAPublisher 6.2: Cartography for Illustrator CS2 
"Avenza Systems' MAPublisher 6.2 is a GIS environment that works as a plug-in for Adobe Illustrator CS2 (and other vector drawing applications like Freehand). MAPublisher focuses on the map graphics first with the right GIS data management tools to facilitate the map rpoduction process.
MAPublisher's approach is in direct contrast with most GIS software that are designed and written for the analysis of data, with desktop publishing of map data coming second. This means that as powerful as most GIS systems are for analysis, they were not designed for cartographic or publication quality mapping. Cartographers on the other hand, need tools such as Bezier curves and CMYk colour separation for publication quality output. MAPublisher provides just that...Cartographers, will find MAPublisher intuitive to use and powerful enough to create even the most complex of maps with an astonishing level of detail.
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Erik Vlietinck, IT-Enquirer
Quicktake Review: MAPublisher 6.1 for Adobe Illustrator 10 and CS
"With the development of geospatial technologies, geographic data management reached new heights, vastly increasing the potential for complex cartographic outputs. Such complexity created a need to create high-quality graphic representations of data. MAPublisher unleashes the power of Adobe Illustrator to produce high-quality maps using cartographic design techniques. Currently available geospatial solutions...have made advancements in their ability to create high-quality maps, but there's still room for improvement. This is where Avenza "bridged the gap,"...Avenza's latest version of MAPublisher reaches new heights in combining the power of geospatial functions with Adobe Illustrator graphic-design tools. Avenza also offers value-added datasets, product training and consulting services."
Paxton Roberts, GIS/cartography specialist, Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies, University of Arkansas
Spotlight on MAPublisher - A Powerful Map Production Product
"It was back in December, 2004 when Avenza Software (Toronto, Canada) announced the latest release of their flagship product; MAPublisher 6.1 for Adobe Illustrator. Simply put, MAPublisher is a powerful map production product for creating cartographic-quality maps from your GIS data. MAPublisher adds several dozen cartography and map editing tools to Illustrator and Freehand to facilitate high-end map production."
Glenn Letham, GISUser.com
GeoSpatial Solutions - May 2003
MAPUBLISHER 5.0 - Turning GIS Maps into Art
"MAPublisher’s ability to produce maps that meet and exceed high-quality cartographic standards makes the software an essential tool to anyone frustrated with the limitations and lack of manipulation available in most current GIS packages. The software’s ease of use and Avenza’s customer support and training enable even novice cartographers to produce professional publication-quality maps. For those in the business of map creation and publication – be they academics, corporate users, publishing companies, or government agencies – MAPublisher will prove invaluable."
Jane Southworth,University of Florida and Grant Ian Thrall, GeoTel Communications, Inc.
Professional Surveyor - February 2003
Hands On: MAPublisher from Avenza
"... For the surveyor who wants to know more about GIS and cartography, this is an excellent path. You will be able to use the necessary tools and examine some of the enormous amount of information that is already available..."
Joe Bell, LS, is the owner of SCJ GPS/GIS Consultants in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
GEO World - August 2002
"... even the finest GIS cartographic package doesn't have the abilities of true high-end graphics packages such as Adobe's Illustrator or Macromedia's Freehand...Avenza recognized this situation and bridged the gap with the capable MAPublisher suite...In 1997, Quick-Take Reviews looked at Avenza's MAPublisher 2.0, and it was found to be an exciting and useful addition to the GIS toolbox. Avenza now has released version 5.0, and it strengthens this already valuable cartographic and map production product."
W. Fredrick Limp, Director, Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies, University of Arkansas
"... given the data sheets that I have read from other so-called GIS tools, it seems to me MAPublisher is doing something very right... I strongly believe this program is a must-have for everyone who is professionally engaged in publishing maps and geographical information."
Erik Vlietinck, Freelance IT Editor
Computer Arts - July 2001
"This is definitely not your average map-making plug-in. It's a turbo-charged tool that cartographers have been waiting for...it's almost certainly the best tool money can buy."
Computer Arts Magazine, July 2001 issue, Vector plug-ins, page 92.
GeoSpatial Solutions - January 2001
"MAPublisher does what it promises...Avenza should be commended for rushing in to fill a demand gap between GIS and graphic arts software, yet it does so by retrofitting Illustrator with GIS functionality. When used to effect, these artwork capabilities are impressive."
Keith C. Clarke, University of California, Santa Barbara and Grant Ian Thrall, University of Florida, Gainesville.