best computer mapping software

[jfaller]

Hey all,

Got a quick question. Out of the three what do you consider the best cartography software:
1. Dundjinni
2. Fractal Mapper 7
3. Campaign Cartographer Pro

If I'm missing one then please let me know... I'm interested in all aspects of campaign mapping w/out spending the farm on the upgrades and addons.

Any opinion / information is appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[pogre]

I draw my maps by hand, but I own Campaign Cartographer. It has a fairly high learning curve, but can produce some nice maps.

 

[jfaller]

Thanks pogre,

I've seen some of your stuff and am impressed... nice. My intention is to use it on Fantasy Grounds (the tabletop emulator software) and while I do enjoy hand drawing things it's actually a matter of saving time. i.e. I'd like to "skip a step" if you see my meaning.

I'm well aquainted w/ most image editing software via my 'day job' (photoshop, fireworks, etc.). Do you think that could possibly give me the proverbial leg up?

Thanks again,

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

I use Photoshop for a lot of my mapping. I typically sketch the initial map by hand, scan it, trace it in photoshop (to make the lines visible and clean) and then add things layer by layer. I can make a map of a city with neighborhoods, places of interest, roads, topographical features all on different layers so that its multiple maps in one.

 

[devilish]

I use Photoshop for a lot of my mapping. I typically sketch the initial map by hand, scan it, trace it in photoshop (to make the lines visible and clean) and then add things layer by layer. I can make a map of a city with neighborhoods, places of interest, roads, topographical features all on different layers so that its multiple maps in one.

Nice! I would love to see you do a tutorial on how
you did this.

-D

 

[jfaller]

I use Photoshop for a lot of my mapping. I typically sketch the initial map by hand, scan it, trace it in photoshop (to make the lines visible and clean) and then add things layer by layer. I can make a map of a city with neighborhoods, places of interest, roads, topographical features all on different layers so that its multiple maps in one.

Yeah wow... Nice work.

OK, I've done that... (not nearly as nicely though), but thought that mapping software might give me a "leg up" and shorten the creation process... Am I wrong?

Actually the last map I made via software was created in Illustrator.. ported to Flash where I inserted hot spots that animated on rollover. e.g. Short descriptions... distances ... etc. You obviously need the flashplayer to view the swf but it's pretty ubiquitous... Worked out pretty well. Again though.... not as well done as yours Kid Charlemagne. Nice...

Thanks,

 

[Hand of Evil]

Campaign Cartographer Pro for a number of reasons, 1) shear power of the program: While not everyone will use everything it can do it is a CAD, it does a lot. 2) User's Guides, the new ones and the universal will get you mapping quickly and help you devolop your skill. 3) Symbols, the program comes with a lot of them but you can make your own or now even find them for sale online. 4) Mail list: Profantasty has a very active mail list that if you have a question you will get help. 5) Customer Support: quick friendly and helpful.


NBOS Fractal Mapper 7 is also very good.

Now with that said, everyone has a different mapping style and that means a different need for what they want in mapping, I alway say download the demo and have at it to find the best one for your needs.

here is an old map I posted some time ago.

and here was a different style I was working on:
http://www.enworld.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9111

 

[Pbartender]

I just got a new set of mapmaking tools in the mail called Mapmaker Plus from Fontcraft.com. Here's my first creation:

This is a map of the area in which my current D&D 3.5 campaign is taking place.

Mapmaker Plus is just a pack of fonts and image samples from old medieval and renaissance maps. In the map above, all the labelling, coastlines, rivers and town icons are fonts. The Mountains and forest are cut & paste images. I put it all together in Paint Shop.

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

I saw that on their site, Pbartender - how easy would it be to recreate an existing map with Mapmaker Plus? I've got the basics of my world maps down, and I don't want to change any major details...

 

[Pbartender]

Since you've already got the map laid out, and assuming you already know how to use your favorite image editor, it shouldn't take more than an hour or two... Maybe a little longer, if you want it real fancy.

I made the "Wild Coast" map in two evenings during the time between when my son got home from school and dinner time (while I was making dinner, mind you). About 3 hours of time all together, and an extra 1/2 hour tonight to tweak a few mistakes I'd made... And that was my first time using it.

Incidentally, KC... How do you get the 'speckly' texture on the boreders of your seas? As you can see, I can get the colored version around the edges, but It'd be nice to do something spotted when I make a B&W 'printable' version of the map.