mapping before game... (DM)

[Mistah J]

I use my digital camera.

I set up the the map that I want on my game mat - I use Dungeon Tiles, and World Works 3D models, some dry erase markers, etc. Then I take a picture, transfer it to my computer.

I'll open it up in the GIMP and play around with it if I need to but usually, I'll print it off and write on it as a Master Copy.

Then during game I simply re-lay out as I need.

YMMV

 

[The Little Raven]

I use PyMapper (similar to the Dungeon Tiles Mapper on the old WotC site), which has all of my Dungeon Tile sets in it. I plot out a dungeon, print out what it looks like, then pull the dungeon tiles I need out of the sets, pop 'em in a ziploc bag and label it for the encounter.

 

[Derulbaskul]

Skeleton Key games publishes a lot of map tiles that you buy as PDF files and then print out. You can also manage the sets, and build maps from the tiles, by using the tile organiser which has a free demo version at:

Tile Mapper

You can buy the full version on RPGNow which gives you access to all the sets. It's a really good tool if you like the SKG maps but want to have a way to put them together.

 

[howandwhy99]

I go freeform and draw on art pads with a pencil. It really frees up my ability to express anything I can draw. But I have rules built into my game for altering maps, so pretty, inked in maps just do not work for me at all.

My suggestion is: buy some transparency paper (it's paper-sized plastic really) and print out hex and square grids of 1" and 1/2" size and use them as overlays on all your maps. Transparency paper can be a bit expensive, say 10-20$, but you get a lot of it and it is very useful.

Then just make sure distances in your maps include legends with a 1" or 1/2" measure to whatever scale ratio they use. (e.g. 1" = 10', 1" = 30 miles, etc.)

EDIT:
Tangent - I've been looking for an old product I once purchased at GenCon back in 90' or 91'. It was a 2'x3' square -grid, thick transparency and we used that butch paper, the kind they use on easels for professional presentations, but I can't find anything like it anymore. I'd really love a hexgrid one though, if anyone knows where they are for sale.

It's not as good as an erasable battlemat IMO, but it works great to quickly switch between old or pre-drawn maps for tactical battles. And, if I really wanted to, I could print my own version of those pretty commercial battlemaps and use whatever grid shape desired.