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Mapping Software For Fantasy Setting

Started by Consonant Dude, March 03, 2007, 07:45:50 PM

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Consonant Dude

March 03, 2007, 07:45:50 PM
Still designing my fantasy setting. Things are going well, if a bit slowly.

I'm at a point where I need to decide how to proceed with maps. I'm tempted to go old-fashioned and draw them by hands but I'd like to know what's out there first.

So, currently, what are the best electronic tools for this, keeping in mind I am not a professional illustrator and thus will not use stuff like Adobe or anything like that.

Thanks!
FKFKFFJKFH

My Roleplaying Blog.

RedFox

#1
March 03, 2007, 08:30:52 PM
Quote from: Consonant DudeStill designing my fantasy setting. Things are going well, if a bit slowly.

I'm at a point where I need to decide how to proceed with maps. I'm tempted to go old-fashioned and draw them by hands but I'd like to know what's out there first.

So, currently, what are the best electronic tools for this, keeping in mind I am not a professional illustrator and thus will not use stuff like Adobe or anything like that.

Thanks!

I haven't found much that truly satisfies me yet.

For continents and overland, I really like Fractal Mapper.

For dungeons and the like, I'm having a harder time finding something suitable.  I really like the interface and the way that DungeonForge does most things, however I'm not happy with its really skimpy tileset and its seeming lack of ability to add text to the map.
 

Lee Short

#2
March 03, 2007, 08:32:14 PM
Quote from: Consonant DudeStill designing my fantasy setting. Things are going well, if a bit slowly.

I'm at a point where I need to decide how to proceed with maps. I'm tempted to go old-fashioned and draw them by hands but I'd like to know what's out there first.

So, currently, what are the best electronic tools for this, keeping in mind I am not a professional illustrator and thus will not use stuff like Adobe or anything like that.

Thanks!

CC3 (that's Campaign Cartographer 3) and DD3 (Dungeon Designer 3) kick ass, if you can get used to the RPN-link command interface.  Some people -- smart people, too -- just don't take to the interface and give up in frustration.
 

RockViper

#3
March 03, 2007, 08:35:00 PM
There are several programs you can use.

Campaign Cartographer:
CC Makes nice maps, however its not free and to get any real use out of it you have to buy the Dungeon Add-on. Its an extreme pain in the ass to learn to use unless you have some knowledge of CAD programs. CC has real issues with layers,  layers have a tendency to migrating down to other layers where you don't want them to be for no goddamn reason.

http://www.profantasy.com/

AutoRealm
The maps are not as pretty as CC, but you can do almost everything you need to with it, and its FREE and Open Source. Its also much easier to use than CC.

http://www.gryc.ws/autorealm.htm

Dundjinni

This is a tile based mapper, although its not free you can make really nice looking maps with it.

http://www.dundjinni.com/comersus/store/comersus_dynamicIndex.asp
"Sometimes it's better to light a flamethrower than curse the darkness."

Terry Pratchett (Men at Arms)

Consonant Dude

#4
March 04, 2007, 02:47:44 AM
Campaign Cartographer 3 looks pretty interesting. Maybe a bit intimidating but seems to be powerful! Thanks guys!
FKFKFFJKFH

My Roleplaying Blog.
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