I've seen this on TV dozens of times but I have'nt a clue as to how it's done. A line starts at point A and reaches point B on a map showing the route from point A to point B. I need to create this effect for an upcoming project and would appreciate all help. I have after effects, photoshop, illustrator and premiere.

Thanks in advance

JY

In after effects, one way to do it would be to place your map in a comp and draw a mask line from point A to point B, then apply a "stroke" effect, using that mask for the stroke. Then you can keyframe the beginning or end values to animate.

Or, to get a slightly different effect. Use photoshop or illustrator to draw the line with dots for intermediate stops and use an animated mask to reveal it.

Or, if it's a straight line, keyframe the scale of a solid to animate it changing length (put your anchor point on one end of the solid).

Or, use the paintbrush in after effects, and animate the individual brush's beginning and end. You can get at these by opening the effect, and then the brush in the timeline window.

Old school method:

Put your camcorder over the map and roll tape.

Reach in with a highlighter marker AND DRAW A LINE ON THE MAP.

Manual, but it still works....

Thanks for your input guys. I truly appreciate it. I discovered that I could also create the effect in PP 2 by using the " Write On " video effect. Very simple and very easy, and it was right under my nose. Pass it on.

Thanks

JY

The STROKE effect in After Effects is definately the easiest and quickest way to do it.

The STROKE effect in After Effects is definately the easiest and quickest way to do it.

The AE Stroke effect is the Best way I think. Thanks to all who pointed it out. The PP2 write on effect might be useful for those with PP2 only.

JY

have a look at http://ppro.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ#How_do_I_animate_a_progress_line_on_a_map.3F