ILLUSTRATED MAPS

LVB specializes in developing geospatially-informed illustrated maps that highlight the features and stories of the unique places and natural resources you work to protect.

Illustrated Mapping

LVB’s illustrated mapping niche is focused on the environmental sector such as illustrated storytelling maps, nature preserve and park maps, watershed maps & fireshed maps, water resources maps, illustrated field guide maps, reference maps and imaginary map scenes.

Clients & Collaborators

LVB provides illustrated maps for land trusts, conservation organizations, nature preserves & outdoor learning centers, environmental researchers and climate scientists, watershed groups, environmental educators, friends groups, and city and county parks.

Map Design Services

LVB’s Illustrated mapping and cartography design services may include: research, GIS base-mapping, image collection, map analysis, illustrative landscape vignettes, sketch icons, hand-drawn and digital rendering, graphic design, writing, copy editing & proofing, and final art packaging for web and print formats.

Illustrated Storytelling Maps

Illustrated storytelling maps focus on the spatial features you want to highlight. Extract the most relevant geographical information that supports your messaging. Share a map that is geospatially accurate, friendly, and engaging. Add extra dimension and meaning to your place-based storytelling.

Bring your map to life!

Welcome Signage graphic for LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in Kane County, IL. Signage elements include a custom Illustrated trail map, legend, preserve rules, places of interest and visitor information designed for a 3 foot by 2 foot vertical kiosk display.

Watershed & Fireshed Illustrated Maps

Water and fire know no political or property boundaries. Watersheds have become organizing units for our work in the environmental sector, from managing stormwater run-off and pollution to flooding and even wildfire. LVB’s expertise is in watershed science and planning. Let’s design a map that guides awareness and action in your watershed.

Nature Preserve and Park Maps

Provide a clear, beautiful and informative map to welcome and orient visitors to your park, preserve or trails system. Illustrate the different ecosystems and terrain. Create a clear understanding of the trails, landmarks and recreational features and how to safely explore them. Provide an enticing peek into what your visitor can see, do and discover within.

Water Resources Map Illustration

Protecting our natural resources, particulary groundwater, springs and rivers, depends on our ability to communicate the big picture. Illustrated maps reveal patterns and show relationships between natural resources, physical features, and cultural or economic land use patterns. Communicate your science and research in a compelling and approachable format with illustrated maps and Storymaps.

Illustrated and diagrammatic map of the groundwater spring system that feeds the largest ground-fed swimming pool...in the desert of West Texas.

Reference Maps and Keymaps

Provide a clean, clear and legible reference map for your study area. LVB combines geographic basemaps and spatial data from GIS with graphic design software. Focused reference and keymaps support public outreach in conference visual aids, printed brochures, and web media.

Key map and area map of NPCA's study study for potential dam along the Mississippi River within the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area in Minnesota's Twin Cities.

Vector-based Illustrated Maps

Create a cohesive look for your family of parks and preserves with a clean, clear map brand that matches your organization. Vector-based illustrated maps simplify the landscape into basic shapes and essential way-finding information. Vector art is scalable for multiple use formats, such as web, print maps, and trailhead signage.

Stylized illustrated map of Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve in Lake Forest, IL.

Imaginary Map lllustration

Imaginary maps are artistic renditions of an invented geographical scene. Clients have challenged LVB to illustrate historical city plans for watershed education board games and a birds-eye imaginary map to explore an environmental service firm’s expertise in natural hazard risk assessment. LVB is willing to illustrate what you can imagine!

Engage and inform your audience with friendly and beautiful illustrated maps.

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Browse Projects Portfolio

TESTIMONIALS

Jeff Crosby, Executive Director

Colorado River Land Trust, Dripping Springs, Texas

We hired Lauren during our organizational rebranding efforts to create visual products representing our conservation values across a diverse stretch of the state of Texas. Not only was the completed project visually stunning, but throughout the project, Lauren provided invaluable insight and depictions of the land and water resources we work to protect.

Barb McKittrick, Environmental Education Manager

Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Geneva, IL

Lauren developed a visually stunning, spatially accurate welcome sign/trail map for the 450-acre preserve that, for the first time in the site’s history, tied together all of its natural and cultural features.

After a long search for a design agency that could combine in-depth knowledge of ecologic principles with expertise in interpretive sign development, our forest preserve district was so lucky to find LVBrown Studio for our signage project.

Peter Foy, President

Friends of Lake Kegonsa Society

Lake Kegonsa’s health is directly related to the water quality of its tributaries, including Door Creek. FOLKS work closely with Dane County Land and Water Resources Department to help residents understand and appreciate the value the natural resources in their watershed. The Door Creek Watershed kiosk signage that Lauren designed for Dane County’s Fish Camp County Park helps us achieve those goals. It’s a beautiful and informative kiosk!