If you want to label your map you can normally achieve this without too much difficulty with GIS software such as ArcGIS, MapInfo or QGIS. All of these desktop GIS provide the facility to automatically place labels on the map by using data in the attribute table linked to a layer.
Various labeling functionality is available depending on your choice of GIS software. However, most desktop GIS now offer dynamic labeling options regarding text style, buffers, shadows and placement. Below is an example created with QGIS of a regional map of France showing most of these options.
Automatic labeling from data in the attribute table
Using the label facility rather than adding a text field is recommended as labels and text behave differently. Labels will remain near to the features they are associated with when you zoom in and out. By contrast, text does not react this way when you use zoom or pan controls in your map.
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