Map Overlay and Layer Creation

We are seeking a graphic designer, cartographer, or mapping specialist to create a clear visual map of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. The map will combine: Google Earth or similar satellite imagery of the canyon An existing SVG overlay showing boulders and bouldering areas A conceptual rail alignment through the canyon Visual identification of bouldering areas that the rail corridor may pass through or potentially affect This is primarily a visual communication and presentation tool. It is not intended to be an engineering drawing, surveyed alignment, or precise GIS impact analysis. The goal is to give viewers a clear, general understanding of where the rail corridor could potentially be located and how it relates to existing bouldering activities. Materials Provided We will provide: An SVG overlay of the Little Cottonwood Canyon bouldering areas A reference map showing the SVG over satellite imagery GPS coordinates that can be used to position and scale the SVG A map showing the possible rail alternatives Five enlarged reference sections showing the approximate rail route Feedback and direction during development The SVG includes the following information: Yellow: individual boulders Navy: bouldering areas White: bouldering-area names Teal: pathways and parking areas Light tan: private areas The SVG will need to be positioned and scaled over the satellite imagery using the supplied reference coordinates. The existing source notes that the underlying boulder locations are approximate and may vary slightly because of satellite-image angle and GPS collection inconsistencies. Rail Alignment Direction The freelancer must use only the South rail alignment option shown in the provided reference material. The alignment does not need to be recreated with precise engineering accuracy. It should be visually traced and represented as a clear conceptual corridor following the general route shown in the reference map and the five enlarged sections. The completed map should clearly state that the rail corridor is: Conceptual and approximate—not an engineered or final alignment. Scope of Work The selected freelancer will: Prepare a suitable satellite-image base map of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Position and scale the provided SVG over the satellite image. Preserve the existing bouldering-area boundaries, labels, pathways, parking areas, and individual boulder indicators. Trace the approximate South rail alignment based on the provided overall map and five sectional reference images. Display the rail alignment as a clearly visible line or corridor. Visually identify bouldering areas that the conceptual alignment: Passes through Closely approaches Could potentially affect Add a simple legend explaining the bouldering information, rail corridor, and highlighted areas. Improve the map’s visual hierarchy and readability for use in presentations and reports. Complete reasonable revisions based on feedback. The assignment does not require the freelancer to determine exact property, environmental, construction, or engineering impacts. Desired Appearance The final map should: Be professional and easy to understand Show the entire relevant length of Little Cottonwood Canyon Clearly distinguish the rail corridor from the bouldering information Retain enough satellite imagery to provide geographic context Make affected or potentially affected bouldering zones easy to identify Avoid excessive technical information or unnecessary GIS detail Be suitable for presentation on a screen and inclusion in a report The designer may adjust line weights, opacity, labels, and colors as needed, while retaining the meaning of the existing map information. Deliverables Please provide: One complete canyon-wide map showing the conceptual rail alignment One map without the rail alignment for comparison High-resolution PDF High-resolution PNG or JPEG Editable source file Up to two rounds of reasonable revisions The editable file may be prepared in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, QGIS, ArcGIS, or another appropriate program. Preferred Qualifications Experience creating maps, geographic graphics, or visual planning exhibits Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, QGIS, ArcGIS, or similar software Experience working with SVG overlays Ability to trace approximate routes from map references Strong graphic-design and visual-communication skills Experience with transportation, recreation, environmental, or land-use graphics is helpful This project does not require advanced transportation engineering or detailed GIS analysis. Proposal Requirements Please include: Two or three examples of similar maps or geographic graphics The software you would use A brief explanation of your proposed approach Your estimated completion schedule Your proposed fixed fee Confirmation that you can provide the editable source file Please begin your proposal with the words: “Little Cottonwood Map” This will confirm that you reviewed the full posting. Confidentiality The source SVG and bouldering-map information are being provided for this assignment only. The selected freelancer must agree that: The supplied files will not be publicly distributed. The files will not be reused for another project. The work will not be displayed in a public portfolio without written approval. All editable and final files will be provided to the client at completion. The materials will remain confidential during and after the assignment. The full-resolution SVG and detailed reference materials should be provided only to the selected freelancer after the Upwork contract is established. Suggested Upwork Categories and Skills Category: Design & Creative Specialty: Graphic, Editorial & Presentation Design Suggested skills: Map Illustration Graphic Design Adobe Illustrator Cartography Geographic Information System Adobe Photoshop Data Visualization Infographic Design