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I have a detailed map illustration made of country shapes sitting very precisely alongside each other. I'd like to simplify the paths to reduce the file size of my SVG but still have the edges of the shapes match each other.

When I use Simplify Paths, the shapes end up with gaps or overlaps because the paths have different angles and curves, of course, and are treated differently.

See: simplify

Any ideas?

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2 Answers

If you want to retain the exact shape, you can not use Simplify. Simplify is not smart enough to understand where the path edge is... it just sees anchors and the angle of the handles from the anchors.

Your best bet would be to manually remove some anchors and adjust the path as you go.

I hate to tout third party stuff... but VectorScribe from http://www.astutegraphics.com has a "Smart Remove" option for anchors that works stunningly well. You could always download the FREE 7 day trial if you are using CS5 or earlier (Astutegraphics.com plug ins don't yet work with CS6).

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If it is a monocolour map then just remove one colour and fill the background with that colour.

You can also draw very simple shapes beneath, so the detailed artwork overlaps it everywhere.

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