Python module for maps, XML files, etc

Using Python, I would like to make a map of a small part of the UK (e.g., a city or city borough), add points/overlays given:

• XML files (e.g., can be downloaded, or acquired from Google Earth)


• post codes


• output areas (apparently, also known as OAs or Oa11)

and then save the image.

In my ideal world, there would be a very convenient Python module that could do something like this:

import MapModule

LondonMap = MapModule.MakeMap(region='London')

# Place a postcode point
LondonMap.PlacePostcode(postcode='SW19 2DE')

# Place regions from XML file
LondonMap.PlaceXML(xmlfile='boroughs.xml')

# Place a region
LondonMap.PlaceArea(area='westminster')

# Save
LondonMap.SaveMap('map.png')

So far, I have found the following:

• Basemap (doesn't look high-res)


• Kartograph


• Vincent?


• GeoPy?

Do you recommend any of these? Do you have any other suggestions?