Simulating a travel route

[Guest]

Hello,

I would like to convey the impression of a travel route on a map in
Powerpoint. The route would be denoted by a thick dashed free-form arrow
line from point A to point B. Sort of like drawing a long pencil line on a
map, where the whole line is left on the map once you're done.

I'm certain there is a better way than all the methods I have tried. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

While I can simulate this with a series of line segments that appear one
after another across the background image map, and say, end with an arrow
head at the final destination point B, I find this very cumbersome.

I am quite familiar with the custom animation effects, their entrances,
exits, and emphases, and timings, but I have not been able to put together a
combination of effects that would accomplish what I need. For example,
drawing a free-form "motion path" to animate a small dashed line segment
along, does not "leave" the line segment at each of its previous positions.
In other words, the effect of leaving the line on the "map" is not achieved.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Regards,

Steve

 

[Luc]

Steve,
You have to draw the line in different parts, which maybe very tiny
depending on the complexity of your line. You can draw straight lines or
freeform lines one after the other and animate them with the wipe effect,
carefully choosing the direction.
Apply the wipe effect "after previous" to tie the whole thing together. Off
course consider also the speed at which the line must flow.

 

[Guest]

Steve

I have had this "problem" in some client work recently. This is the way to
do it!!

A. The map (not the route) needs to be a jpeg or png ( you can save the
slide as this if it isnt already)
B. Format > background and set the picture of the map as background
C. Draw on the route
D. Place shapes over the route - you dont need to be accurate but place new
shapes if there is a MAJOR direction change.
E. For each shape format > autoshape set fill to background & line to none
F Apply exit > wipe animations to each shape in the general direction ie if
line goes roughly left to right use exit> wipe from right

Try it looks great!

 

[Guest]

PS That should have been wipe from left!!
Also you should tick omit background graphics from master

 

[Luc]

'Apply the wipe effect "after previous" to tie the whole thing together...

That should have been "with previous with a delay (great for showing stages
in the route" or "after previous".

 

[Echo S]

Nice workaround, John. I think in many cases this technique's probably
easier than trying to animate the portions of the line.

 

[Guest]

Thank you kind lady!!

It is definitely easier and looks better as you can draw the line properly.

John Wilson
Microsoft Certified Office Specialist

Nice workaround, John. I think in many cases this technique's probably
easier than trying to animate the portions of the line.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

Steve

I have had this "problem" in some client work recently. This is the way to
do it!!

A. The map (not the route) needs to be a jpeg or png ( you can save the
slide as this if it isnt already)
B. Format > background and set the picture of the map as background
C. Draw on the route
D. Place shapes over the route - you dont need to be accurate but place
new
shapes if there is a MAJOR direction change.
E. For each shape format > autoshape set fill to background & line to none
F Apply exit > wipe animations to each shape in the general direction ie
if
line goes roughly left to right use exit> wipe from right

 

[Guest]

John and Luc,

Thank you a million for your suggestions. The wipe effect, and the
interaction with the background is what I had been missing. Works like a
charm now.

I'm grateful for your tips. Just fantastic !

Regards,

Steve

Thank you kind lady!!

It is definitely easier and looks better as you can draw the line properly.

John Wilson
Microsoft Certified Office Specialist

Nice workaround, John. I think in many cases this technique's probably
easier than trying to animate the portions of the line.

--
Echo [MS PPT MVP] http://www.echosvoice.com
Fixing PowerPoint Annoyances http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/powerpointannoy/
PPTLive! Sept 17-20, 2006 http://www.pptlive.com

Steve

I have had this "problem" in some client work recently. This is the way to
do it!!

A. The map (not the route) needs to be a jpeg or png ( you can save the
slide as this if it isnt already)
B. Format > background and set the picture of the map as background
C. Draw on the route
D. Place shapes over the route - you dont need to be accurate but place
new
shapes if there is a MAJOR direction change.
E. For each shape format > autoshape set fill to background & line to none
F Apply exit > wipe animations to each shape in the general direction ie
if
line goes roughly left to right use exit> wipe from right

 

[Guest]

Luc,

Thank you for suggesting the wipe effect. That was a piece that was missing
as well as John's tip about the background.

Regards,

Steve