Mapping programs, Do you use them?

[Mark CMG]

So my question is this.... Do other DM's out there use computer programs for maps, NPC's etc? And if so what programs do you all reccommend and why?

They can be very useful but I often like to take what I create in NBOS software and adjust it somewhat in PSP then letter/number it in Adobe. Tends to give it a more polished look, IMO.

 

[Kanegrundar]

I've used a couple freeware mapping programs in the past, but find it's easier and quicker for me to just draw out both the world maps and dungeon maps on graph paper by hand.

 

[KB9JMQ]

I use dundjinni for small dungeons and buildings. It works great for me in that aspect.
Really large stuff I just hand draw even though it looks like crap

I tried to use CC2 but it had a bigger learning curve than I was willing to give it at the time.

 

[Shades of Green]

I map on graph paper using a pencil, usually during boring classes at my college and/or later on; significant maps 9usually continent/area/city rather than dungeon) I scan and clean up in Paint Shop Pro 7. The rest I do with PSP7's Spray and Picture Tube tools, and I add captions and map labels in PSP7 as well.