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I want to create a map like this

enter image description here.

It is a raster image. What program should I use to create it? Right now on my PC, I have QGIS. Could it be able to create such map? If it can, what functionality I have to use to create such map? Could you suggest a online video tutorial related to creating such map?

For example, I want to know, on QGIS, what functionalities I have to use to draw a curved area and then change its color

enter image description here.

Can I use something like MSPaint? I want a program that I can draw curved areas and then can change the color of these areas like this Because to create a similar map to the above Germanic migration map, you need to draw curved areas and change their colors. How can I do that?

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    If you have QGIS that is what I think you should try to use. If you get stuck include precisely what you have tried and where you are stuck in your question. As per the Tour there should be only one question per question.
    – PolyGeo ♦
    Commented Oct 26, 2015 at 12:15
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    PolyGeo, Why have you put my question on old. I'm asking a very specific question related to QGIS. What's wrong with that ???
    – Einsteingen
    Commented Oct 26, 2015 at 12:46
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    If you only want to "draw" a map you should consider something similar like Adobe Illustrator, or even paint. A GIS is not designed for drawing a map, but for visualizing INFORMATION. So as long as your only information is: this is there and this is there, you won´t need a GIS for this.
    – MakePeaceGreatAgain
    Commented Oct 26, 2015 at 12:47
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    No, AI is not for free. It is, in fact, rather expensive. But to the point: you say you have downloaded the tutorial data for QGIS. Work through the tutorials and think most of your questions will be answered regarding drawing geometries, changing colors and symbols etc. If you still have problems after that, you are welcome to ask a specific question about that problem. Then you'll have more chance of a useful answer (which you also will be able to understand, when you've got the hang of the interface).
    – Martin
    Commented Oct 26, 2015 at 13:30
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    @Einsteingen, Inkscape is the free/open software counterpart to Adobe Illustrator. Similarly, Gimp is the counterpart for Adobe Photoshop.
    – elrobis
    Commented Oct 26, 2015 at 14:02

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Just to echo what many have said, but in answer format: I'd recommend using a combination of QGIS and Inkscape. It's a good FOSS alternative to ArcGIS paired with Illustrator.

  1. color the vectors in QGIS as you like, use print compose to spit out the basemap
  2. start new inkscape project, import your map image, and then add the vector arrows however you want.
  3. make final export from Inkscape.

If you are diligent about the size and extent of your basemap and careful about your procedure, it should be easy to make revisions to basemap in QGIS, export again, and replace the image in Inkscape.

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