I'm a PhD student, writing my thesis on geopolitics. I'm looking for software to produce timelines and maps like the ones below. Ideally, I would like free software or at least software I can install locally instead of a subscription.
I looked into this, a bit too basic For mapping I've tried two that were not suitable SmartDraw 2013 has 2 maps for every country but only some include provinces. As I need to indicate provinces and locations within Chin this won't work. Interactive map: iMapBuilder map is better, in that it includes provinces but is too limited in function. Basically it places a color overlay over google maps. This seems to be more for webpages from what I can tell. Also the zoom is terrible, if I zoom out to see the whole country most of the details disappear as it switches to a country map. If i zoom in it see these details it cuts out much of the map.
If Visio can do it you may be able to obtain a copy through Microsoft Dreamspark if your uni participates.
