How do you map? (DMing advice needed)

[IronWolf]

Draw it out on the Battlemat, er. Tact-Tiles.

 

[PeterFitz]

I give the players very generic descriptions of the areas they're passing through, using non-specific descriptors like long, shallow, huge, high etc. If they want more exact dimensions, they have to actually survey the rooms (in character), which takes up a lot of time of course, and they seldom bother.

For miniature use, I draw out the relevant area myself on a perspex sheet laid over a hex-grid on the table-top, and erase it when we're done.

My own GM maps are mostly very schematic these days; I used to draw exquisitely detailed maps, but I came to realise that I was wasting a huge amount of time on stuff that nobody but me would ever see. (Likewise with my campaign world -- I used to create incredibly elaborate back-stories and world details, but realised that nobody ever took any notice of them even when they were relevant. Now I just make vague, general notes and fake it if I have to).

 

[haiiro]

I hate mapping as a player, and I absolutely can't stand having players map when I GM -- except for very rare, cartographically gifted folks, it's always waaaaay more trouble than it's worth (at least in my experience).

For locations I expect the party to visit more than once, I draw my maps on rolls of 1" square graph paper about 3' wide -- I cut off what I need to do a couple of rooms (or whatever), and then link them up as we play.

For mapping on the fly, or for spots I don't expect the party to return to, I use Tact-Tiles. They're awesome.

 

[pogre]

We use mastermaze and hirst arts dungeon pieces. Not exactly an economically solution, but a lot of fun.

 

[MarauderX]

I have access to large format printers, so I either use that or Tact-tiles for more modular exploration of a dungeon. Either way it's predrawn, and I keep a few blank tact-tiles on the side for the unexpected situations that go beyond what I anticipate.

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