(hex-based) mapping tools?

[Tulon]

Greetings everyone.

Since the 2nd edition of "Fields of Blood" is due to come out on the 1st of april, and I already pre-ordered my copy, I am right now looking for a good tool for creating a world map in hexes.
I tried a couple of them by looking via google, but either the links were already dead or the program was not really compatible with Windows XP and crashed while I was working on it.

So, does anyone know a good tool for hex-bases map-creating, which will work on my system?
(see this thread as a listing of freeware map-creator tools which are avaiable and well to work with)

PS: owners of the first edition from "Fields of Blood" could also post me a list of hex-field types the book will introduce, so I can adapt and start working without having to wait 'till april.

PPS: just joined this board, but as far as I can see, I think it'a nice place to stay

 

[Nifft]

OpenRPG has a hex-map tool. It's written in Python and will run on any system that is supported by Python (including MSWindows).

I don't know how good a hex-map tool it is, but it's free, so little risk in finding it & playing.

-- N

 

[thullgrim]

Where in Germany are you stationed? Spangdahlem here. Live in Bitburg

Here is one I found. Can't speak to it as I don't use it but you might want to give it a try.

http://www.paonline.com/zaikoski/ak/tools.htm

thullgrim

 

[Tulon]

Ah, thanks a lot!
That one is not as good as the one which always crashed on my OS, but it's a fine thing to start with for sure - and it runs stable too.
Maybe I can even copy the hex-graphics from the other tool into that one to make it look better.

If someone knows other tools, just post it, I'll try them all.

PS: I'm in Bad Sülze (yeah, I know that name is quite silly, but it suits that deserted village nearby perfectly), Staff-HQ of the 2nd Missile Defence Squadron (3rd Air Force Division - the "Capital City Division" *g*)

 

[Piratecat]

Off we go to the software forum!

 

[Silvanos]

I am not sure I am getting what your asking for... Being braindamaged and all...

You need a FREE utility that will just put a hex grid over an existing map? Or a Free Mapping program that can add a hex grid to a map you have created?

If just looking for a utility, you could use paint. It would be a pain in the *EDIT DUE TO EN's GRANDMA* but it could be done. There was a recent thread about how to do it.

Personally, CC2 is the best mapper out there, it's not free, but the things you can do with it are endless. It will put any grid type/size you want on a map.

D

If you just need it for a single map or something. I think CC2 has a Demo copy. Not sure if that feature is in the Demo, but may be worth a look.

 

[dagger]

I'm trying to apply a hex grid over a map I already have, paint can do that?

 

[Tulon]

Nah, I am looking for a tool to completely draw the map in... meaning, having an empty map of hexes, where I can put the tool's included tiles in.

@dagger: Yes it is possible... simply draw a good hex-field, copy it a couple of times, attach them together, copy again... and repeat until you have a hex-grid large enough to suit your map. Then, just copy the whole grid over to your map and be sure to use transparency.
It might look good, but however, in my opinion that kind of layout would lack the oversight since you could hardly define what kind of hex one is... for example, if you have a hex where there is both water and land - what is it, then? etc

 

[Silvanos]

Well I don't know about free... But CC2 can do anything, and comes with alot of tiles.

It's not free, but once you learn it, it is very powerful.

Drew

 

[Alcareru]

Where in Germany are you stationed? Spangdahlem here. Live in Bitburg

Here is one I found. Can't speak to it as I don't use it but you might want to give it a try.

http://www.paonline.com/zaikoski/ak/tools.htm

thullgrim

Ive used hexmapper. Extremely simple paint interface to produce old school maps. However, its not exactly feature heavy but it will work.