decent (free) world map makers?

[SpiderMonkey]

Greetings all!

The project this summer: overhauling my campaign setting. To assist this, I'd like to redo the map, which was done on hex paper with pens and colored pencils. This makes it difficult to try to do things like playing in different eras and such.

Basically, I'm hoping people can reply with links to decent overland map generators and advice: what's a good scale for hex's and manageable kingdom sizes (i.e. what would a standard medieval kingdom with dnd levels of magic be able to effectively administrate over). I'd appreciate any links and insights any of you could provide.

Thanks!

 

[333 Dave]

Do a Google search for AutoRealm. Once you get the hang of it its a very good program. Untill then it does its job fine .

 

[beldar1215]

Try Web Tools at Irony.com It's a good site for making basic maps.

Beldar

 

[NeuroZombie]

A second vote for Autorealm.... the best free map maker out there... heck possibly the best period for ease of use and capabilites of the software

 

[MeepoTheMighty]

It's not free, but if you can shell out 30 bucks I've been pretty happy with Fractal Mapper. So far it does just about everything I want it to do - the only limiting factor is my complete and utter lack of artistic talent. I'm sure if I were any good at making maps to begin with, I'd probably find some feature I wish was there...but I haven't had any complaints so far

 

[rounser]

For world mapping, either Autorealm or Arr-Kelaan Software's Hexmapper (Google will turn them up). I found Autorealm superior to Fractal Mapper for regular maps, but for world mapping I'd reccommend Hexmapper over them both simply because so long as you don't mind hex mapping your world, it's so darn quick and easy to use.

 

[Alchemist]

I'm going to throw in for hexmapper too. I love hexmaps, and that program spits them out lickety-split.

 

[La Bete]

Hexmappers not bad - also there are more resources available for it at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hexmapper_Haven/

 

[SpiderMonkey]

thanks for all of your advice. i just downloaded the autorealm, but i'm kinda slow with tech stuff, so it should be interesting.

Thanks all!