create a simple, minimalist black and white map

Question

Hi, I am new to the mapping world (an architecture student) and trying to create a simple map of New York City. I would like ideally to have a map of just the streets as single black lines on a black background, with the option of underlaying a faded satellite image. I can't seem to figure out how to edit a map to get this. If I can't get it that simple, at least a gray-scale map with streets (or block outlines) without showing street names or the names of anything else - no extra lines for public transit, etc. Thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

You will need to install rendering software, then download the area of interest, create a suitable rendering style, and run your data through the rendering engine to arrive at a PNG file or something.

If you choose to use the renderer Maperitive (reasonably simple to install and suitable for beginners), a style sheet that just draws a thin line for every road could look like this:

features
    lines
        street : highway

properties
    map-background-color : #EEEEEE

rules
    target: street
        define
           line-color : black
           line-width : 1
        draw : line

If you choose to install the renderer Mapnik - which requires some other programs to be installed as well, is more difficult, but can process larger amounts of data -, then you'll find a very simple style example on the web site for an OSM book I've co-authored, here. (The "Mapnik waterways example")

create a simple, minimalist black and white map

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