WIP - 6 Mile Hex Map of Baltic region

TimothyWestwind · September 13, 2024, 09:05:32 AM

I'm making this map for pre-Modern scenarios, roughly from 500 to 1500 AD.

You can download the the Worldographer file from my blog here: https://timothywestwind.blogspot.com/2024/09/6-mile-hex-map-baltic-region.html

Let me know if you have any suggestions or resources for the placement of forests, swamps, grasslands and other terrain features.

The map covers the area from Stockholm in the North-West to St. Petersburg in the North-East down to Minsk in the South-East.

TimothyWestwind · September 13, 2024, 10:28:04 AM

I added a little more on the East side because that way I can include Novgorod which was an important city in the Middle Ages. I don't want to make the map much bigger so if you want to add Smolensk (the Viking used to stop over there), just put it right at the South Eastern edge of the map.

It's a challenge to get the rivers looking correct considering the different map projection that exist so I'll keep the major features as they are now. Next step is to paint in all the terrain features and place the major cities and towns.

If anyone else wants to have a go, download the file from my blog.

JasperAK · September 13, 2024, 07:12:27 PM

I love projects like this that show how real world geography compares to fantastic geography. Without color to show off the different vegetation (grasslands, forest, swamp) it seems that this map seems to be starting off with a lot more uniformity compared to something like Majestic Wilderlands. Not a criticism, just a note. Great job! I look forward to seeing how it is populated.

TimothyWestwind · September 15, 2024, 11:25:29 AM

Do you mean uniformity in terms of the biome?

JasperAK · September 15, 2024, 09:47:14 PM

While the upper portion has different colours, the majority of the map is in light green, even for different hex contents. It seems like the predominant terrain is flatland with forest and possibly marshland with light forest in varying sized bands, but the colours are so close they are indistinguishable at a quick glance.

I routinely use actual topographical and navigational maps to create little campaign areas to play with. I find it interesting that at the 5-6-mile hex size, it's tricky to get a decent amount of terrain variation. I have to look very hard to find areas with terrain bands that show up nicely at that resolution.

TimothyWestwind · September 16, 2024, 02:28:18 PM

Quote from: JasperAK on September 15, 2024, 09:47:14 PMWhile the upper portion has different colours, the majority of the map is in light green, even for different hex contents. It seems like the predominant terrain is flatland with forest and possibly marshland with light forest in varying sized bands, but the colours are so close they are indistinguishable at a quick glance.

That's because the map is still work-in-progress. I haven't properly started working on the terrain yet. I placed some rivers and cities so that they would perhaps help me orient what needs to go where.

TimothyWestwind · October 28, 2024, 05:26:30 PM

In this latest version I've added some more biomes and types of vegetation such as grassy plains, wooded swamps, hills, denser woods and forests.

I'm having to do a lot of guess work about the placement of these types of features. As you can see I'm trying to simulate the Northern European Plain and the swamps of the Baltic countries. I don't know if the South East of the map should feature some Steppe features?

As always, let me know if you have any suggestions or resources for the placement of forests, swamps, grasslands and other terrain features.

You can download the latest worldographer file here:

https://timothywestwind.blogspot.com/2024/10/6-mile-hex-map-baltic-region.html

swzl · October 29, 2024, 07:13:20 AM

Quote from: JasperAK on September 15, 2024, 09:47:14 PMI routinely use actual topographical and navigational maps to create little campaign areas to play with. I find it interesting that at the 5-6-mile hex size, it's tricky to get a decent amount of terrain variation. I have to look very hard to find areas with terrain bands that show up nicely at that resolution.

Where do you source your maps from?

TimothyWestwind · November 02, 2024, 10:25:24 AM

Ok I think it's at a usable state now but as always I'm open to feedback. I've done my best to use real geographic information but there's been a lot of guess work involved as well. Edit: I think I'm still not placing enough Coniferous forests in this area and should perhaps add more swamp forest in the Estonian region.

The Grauden, Dainava Forest, Naliboki Forest and Čepkeliai Marsh were all created following the description in the Medieval Baltic Volume I and looking at Google Maps.

The placement of the cities was according to a map in that guidebook in the year 1456.

As always and feedback is greatly appreciated. You can download the Worldographer File here:

https://timothywestwind.blogspot.com/2024/11/6-mile-hex-map-baltic-region.html

TimothyWestwind · November 02, 2024, 10:53:25 AM

Yes... I'm really rethinking this map. I should have read about the types of trees in the area before I started. I think I've been doing it all wrong.

JasperAK · November 02, 2024, 10:38:03 PM

Quote from: swzl on October 29, 2024, 07:13:20 AM
Quote from: JasperAK on September 15, 2024, 09:47:14 PMI routinely use actual topographical and navigational maps to create little campaign areas to play with. I find it interesting that at the 5-6-mile hex size, it's tricky to get a decent amount of terrain variation. I have to look very hard to find areas with terrain bands that show up nicely at that resolution.

Where do you source your maps from?

University of Texas Operational Navigation Charts 1:1000k
University of Texas Tactical Pilot Maps 1:500k
Univeristy of Texas Topographical Maps 1:250k

JasperAK · November 02, 2024, 10:41:57 PM

The two most recent maps look much better. I find that varied terrain makes a map much more interesting. I don't know how many maps I've seen at this scale that just show the same boring terrain.