I'm looking for a computer program that I can use for making maps. My primary interest is in making "world" maps, if the same thing can do dungeon maps too that's a plus but not required. My other consideration is that I'm cheap. So I'm really looking for something free.
Anybody know of anything that fits the bill?
Thanks!
AutoRealm (http://autorealm.sourceforge.net/index.php)
Probably what you are looking for.
Others:
Dungeon Forge (http://www.dungeonmapping.com/df/public_html/)
Dungeon Crafter (http://www.dungeoncrafter3.com/download.php)
Lior's Map Creator (http://liors.net/software/map_creator/index.php)
I made this with Hex mapper and a little tweaking on a paint program.
http://swords-of-erisa.tripod.com/WoBMap
Part of the answer depends on how much experience you have with CAD or drawing programs and how much time you want to spend. Autorealm and the like can take hours to get the hang of but you can do impressive things if you have the knack for art. Hex Mapper uses stamps or icons that you quickly drop on a hex map - it's super quick to build something decent that communicates the lay of the land to players.
Quote from: NicephorusPart of the answer depends on how much experience you have with CAD or drawing programs and how much time you want to spend. Autorealm and the like can take hours to get the hang of but you can do impressive things if you have the knack for art. Hex Mapper uses stamps or icons that you quickly drop on a hex map - it's super quick to build something decent that communicates the lay of the land to players.
Seconded.
And there are threads here about this...IIRC, in the design section. How do I know? I asked a similar question a while back.
I will tell you that all of them pay or not, professional quality or stamping hexes, will have limitations and benefits you won't know about until you start using them. Don't get discouraged!