How to create a blur between 2 objects

Question

I am trying to create a design showing a globe with an outline of Australia in the background with a map of Australia in the foreground with a blur between the 2 maps. I want to create an effect as if the continent was lifted up and off the planet and brought to the forefront. Suggestions on how to do this and what program to use - photoshop, fireworks, illustrator? thanks for your help, Marilyn

Answer 1

Are you talking about something like this? The simple way in Photoshop (I love simple) is the following.
1) Create a new layer.
2) Using your selector tool create a shape that follows your far left edge of your outline on the globe.
3) Continue that shape to the map and follow the far left edge.
4) Use your gradient tool to fill the area. (White near the globe, black near the map).
5) Move this layer in-between the globe and map layers.
6) Make semitransparent.
7) Blur as desired.
Note: Usually bright colors are near and dark are distant but because of the white matt the effect did not show correctly so I reversed it.