Yet Another Question on Mapping Programs

[Samothdm]

I know that people have asked this question before but I did a quick scan through previous threads and couldn't find them right away.

What programs do people recommend for mapping, specifically for "bigger" geography (world maps and such more than city maps)? I'm not looking for a fancy drawing program but an actual map-drawing program that's easy to learn. I'm not super-knowledgeable when it comes to different programs so I'd like something really easy to learn and easy to use.

I downloaded the free trial version of Campaign Cartographer 2 but I think it was just a little too advanced for me. I don't think I'd ever have the time to learn how to make full use of the product.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Dragongirl]

Well did you try the free download of their fractal generator? It is pretty good to generate a quick world if you want a base to start with. You can also go about altering it after you have the base done, or even start with a clean slate and do it all by hand.

Personally I use CC2 and the fractal mapper. Good luck in your search.

 

[spunky_mutters]

I can't help you with software recommendations, but I do have some advice. If you're going to map a whole planet (and this is assuming it is spherical rather than say a flat disk), make sure you pick a good template for the full-world view that takes curvature into account. If you don't, you'll find measurements on the world map won't match your local maps (and this distortion grows as you get farther from the equator). There are all kinds of projection systems that can be used for mapping spheres, and it can be difficult to pick an appropriate one, but doing things right at this stage means you won't be cursing a few years down the road when you discover that the giant northern kingdom is only 40 miles across.

 

[Buttercup]

You might take a look at Fractal Mapper . It's quite a bit cheaper than Campaign Cartographer, and much easier to learn. It makes attractive maps quickly, IMO.

 

[Kyramus]

6 hours and still couldn't figure CC.
1 hour with Fractal mapper and I got the Traikos map.
Several hours and I have a world map and others.

Fractal Mapper is the way to go for me.

www.geocities.com/kyramus

 

[Chondu]

For some simple, old fashioned hex mapping fun, check out Hexmapper.

Link here: www.zipworld.com.au/~hong/dnd/

 

[rounser]

I prefer Autorealm to Fractal Mapper, but you can't go wrong with either, really. They're really easy to figure out.

For world mapping, I'd recommend Arr Kelaan Software's Hexmapper. It's elegant, simple, extremely quick to use, and you can make your own tiles.

EDIT: Chondu beat me to it...

 

[La Bete]

bwah hah hah... the undead return

also for hexmapper, checkout this yahoo group for custom tiles and advice....

Hexmapper Haven

 

[jgbrowning]

I go with

CC2 and Fractal terrains. excellent. CAD based.

joe b.