I'm working with Google Maps in making a campus map comprised of a number of tile overlays. Two of these overlays- accessibility (paths) and parking- are layered under other elements (with strokes) which help define it's shape within sidewalks and parking lots:
However, to create their individual tile overlays, I need to export only what is shown of these two layers as seen in the right side of the below image.
My approach up to now:
- Make every element layered below the target layer hidden.
- Take every element which exists above the target layer and make their fill and/or stroke black as needed. (Essentially making a mask which compensates for the strokes of the other layers. See below image, left.)
- Export the file to Photoshop.
- Using Magic Wand or Color Selector, remove the black, resulting in the target layer in the desire shape.
This does exactly what I want and fits perfectly in the space, but it is somewhat complex for other users and leaves some evidence behind of the approach- namely, darker pixels at the edges- in the final product (below, right)
*(Note: In the right image, "white" is equivalent to "transparent".)
Thus, my question is "is there a way to include the stroke in 'masking' elements"? For instance, is there a way to make a mask which also includes the stroke on an element rather than just along the drawn path?
Or, perhaps even more fun, is there a way to color/swatch a shape to be "transparent" rather than simply "none" so that it still hides what is below it, but prints/exports as being transparent?
Alternatively, is there any other more simple approach which does not include the following:
- Combining the render and overlay layers. (Results in 6 overlays rather than 3.)
- Drawing the overlay layers to perfectly match the sidewalk/lot. (Most higher elements use strokes which are not easily traced, and would be much more work.)
EDIT: Here is an .ai file with a simple arrangement of what I'm working with if anyone would like to play around or get some additional context.