How do YOU draw maps?

[Jürgen Hubert]

I plan to draw some maps for my homebrew setting later this year, and I'd like to hear some advice on doing this. To all those who have drawn maps before, how do you make your maps look good?

(Incidentally, I have decided against using Campaign Cartographer 2. For one, I have the "limited version" that was included with the old AD&D Core Rules CD-Rom, and it runs really s-l-o-w on my 433 Mhz Pentium II. Plus, I'm running on a tight budget here, and I don't want to buy such expensive software unless I absolutely have to. However, I do have Corel Draw and Corel Photo Paint 7, if that helps...)

 

[Whodat]

I use Dungeon Crafter. It's free. It makes awesome maps. It's free. It's easy to use. It's free.

Go to dungeoncrafter.com check it out.

Did I mention that it's free? 'Cause it's free.

If you have Dungeon Crafter and a paint program (and a little time), you can make some kick-butt maps!

Good luck.

 

[Azure Trance]

CC2. Sorta.

Bought it but haven't actually made a map with it yet D; Maybe one day. Though I vouch that Dungeon Crafter is cool.

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

If you have Dungeon Crafter and a paint program (and a little time), you can make some kick-butt maps!

Interesting program. I think I will keep this in mind if I want to draw building maps. I've just downloaded it.

However, my primary interest is drawing maps for nations and continents, and for this any tile-based tool is out of the question in my view. Borders and geographic features do not tend to follow straight lines...

(Though if you have found some really spectacular tile-based maps, feel free to convince me otherwise... )

 

[Sulimo]

Normally I start with some graphite and paper...

I have played with CC2, but frankly I havent really got the patience to get involved in a full blown CAD program.

 

[Sulimo]

Doublepost

 

[sunbeam60]

Hey

[Edit]: URL

Yeah, sketched at first, then I scan it and redraw on top of it using Paint Shop Pro. PSP is very similar in functionality to Corel Photo Paint, just use loads of layers (one for the roads, one for terrain etc.) and you can be sure to never do anything you cannot "backtrack".

Incidently, I have just released my own homebrew with a 4000 x 3000 pixel map drawn in Paint Shop Pro. If you wish to check it out, go to:

http://home.worldonline.dk/sunbeam/fourthage

regards
Toft

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

Incidently, I have just released my own homebrew with a 4000 x 3000 pixel map drawn in Paint Shop Pro. If you wish to check it out, go to:

http://home.worldonline.dk/sunbeam/fouthage

I have downloaded the entire world yesterday, and while I haven't had much opportunity to study the world in detail, the map does look extremely impressive.

And in fact, that map was part of the reason why I started this thread, so your advice is highly appreciated...

 

[Patrick-S&S]

To all those who have drawn maps before, how do you make your maps look good?

The best tip I have is to use patterns and symbols that look good. True, if you really suck at architecture no symbols or patterns in the world will help you. However with good looking stuff, it is easier to get a good looking map than it is for a great mapper to get a great map with lousy patterns. I have done several maps in official modules (Trobridge: Pepper & Spice, Evael: Kingdom of the Elves, HârnQuest and more) but I use the same style when creating freeware. The thing is to keep a constency that makes sense.

However, I do have Corel Draw and Corel Photo Paint 7, if that helps...)

These two might work with the free mapping tools I have on my page. You should try downloading those and experiment a little. If you want some help with how to best implant these patterns and symbols let me know by e-mail.

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

Re: Re: How do YOU draw maps?

The best tip I have is to use patterns and symbols that look good. True, if you really suck at architecture no symbols or patterns in the world will help you. However with good looking stuff, it is easier to get a good looking map than it is for a great mapper to get a great map with lousy patterns. I have done several maps in official modules (Trobridge: Pepper & Spice, Evael: Kingdom of the Elves, HârnQuest and more) but I use the same style when creating freeware.

Harn?

(Falls down on his knees)

I am not worthy!

These two might work with the free mapping tools I have on my page. You should try downloading those and experiment a little. If you want some help with how to best implant these patterns and symbols let me know by e-mail.

What kind of file format is "FT8"?