I create maps in QGIS (an open source GIS mapping program on PC and Mac). QGIS can export as PDF and SVG, but the best way is PDF. The problem with PDF's is that all the lines come in as individual layers (objects) while in SVG'sthey are at least grouped as sublayers.
To get around this in Illustrator, I can use the Select>Same>Stroke Color and then move all the selected features to a new single layer group. Designer could use an expanded selection ability like Illustrator's. As far as selecting goes, there's a plugin for Illustrator called Select by rj-graffix.com which adds many selection abilities (but right now it doesn't appear that Designer supports plugins).
Freehand used to have really robust selection abilities via a dialog box, and this included text attributes. Illustrator has never come close.
Thanks.
