Collaborative Mapping for TTRPGs

[SamwiseUnwise]

I’ve been looking for a way to accomplish an idea I had for a campaign I’m planning to run and I’m wondering if anyone here might have suggestions/experience on it.

I’m planning a Mordheim/Drakkenheim style campaign where the players will range across a specific, geographically-bounded area many times, discovering new landmarks and locations in each visit.

I want a way for players to access and interact with a map on their computers/phones, specifically in two distinct ways:

• Being able to add public pins and notes themselves without needing my input.
• Being able to measure/assess distances and identify current location so they can pick locations to visit and the route to take on the way (to avoid certain areas, chart optimal path, etc.)

I’d prefer it not be software specific, so that my players don’t have to all download some tool or software. (maybe web-based so they just have to click a link?)
I’d also love it if there was a way for me to add pins/notes that I could hide until the players discover them.

Has anybody else ever done something like this? I feel like I could maybe use a simple web-based VTT like Owlbear Rodeo or something, but I’m not sure if it has the right tools/permissions for player usability.

 

[GMMichael]

I'd go with the Owlbear. It has this in the "permissions" documentation:

For each layer you can control whether your players can create, update or delete those items. For example if you remove the create option from the maps section. (sic) Your players won't be able to add new maps to the scene.​

If a player can add a map, the player can probably add a location note or marker, too.