I would love to upload a map of my own design. Where is there good mapping software? I could/will search the net, but I thought maybe someone here has laready done something like that and could point me in the right diretion
I use CC3 and love it, though you're right - it's pricey. The folks over at the Cartographers Guild (www.cartographersguild.com) are very friendly and helpful. Many of them do their mapping using Photoshop or other painting programs. You should check it out.
I've heard nothing but good things about Campaign Cartographer, and considering its price that is not surprising. If you're not willing to spend that kind of money, a simpler mapping program that works great (and has a lot of free user-generated content on their forums) is "Dundjinni.":http://www.dundjinni.com/ It also has official expansion packs like CC3.
A source of a free unofficial expansion for both programs is the CSUAC, once available from the now defunct GM Syndicate. The CC3 version isn't currently available for download, but the Dunjinni version is now available at the "GM's Apprentice.":http://www.gmsapprentice.com/ The CC3 version is planned to be updated and reposted there someday as well.
I've heard some people are also having luck with a freeware called "AutoREALM":http://autorealm.sourceforge.net/index.php for those that don't want to spend any money on a mapping program. There are probably two dozen different cartography programs for gamers out there, but these are the best at the respective cost levels.
Thanks, I'll check those sources. I like drawing my own but I need to be able to load it on OP and I don't have a scanner. Plus, I like the really professional look I could get with a program vs. what I have TIME to put together right now.
Butch has a podcast regarding fantasy cartography using Photoshop. I have yet to care enough to actually pursue it myself, but the results he gets are stunning.
I design modern/futuristic maps using Google Sketch. It's real easy to pick up and use but it may not be as easy to use for dungeons/castle building. You can probably find it using google and it's free last time I checked.
I recently picked up Dundjinni. I hod some problems because I am more or less computer illiterate, but the community on the forums was amazing in helping. Also, for Mac Users, CC3 doesn't have a Mac Version. Dundjinni is downloadable right from their website for Mac.
I recently came accross this Virtual Table Top (VTT). "map tools":http://rptools.net/ . While it was made to be a VTT I find that it works excelently as a mapping tool. I do sugest that you include a graphics manipulator in additon to this tool though. The sight has a well defined resorce link for alot of free material and with the amount of graphic forms it uses it is well versatile.
I made my map with this prog, though this is not to the same quality as others it was real easy and not that long to make
you can find it here: http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaign/cold-light/maps/show/3884
They also have alot of other software, some are free.
ScreenMonkey is a Virtual Table Top application, you add or create your own caming pieces. (I searched the net for monsters, player characters etc, I now have over 400 to choose from. Then you create your own maps.... see my previous post for ProFantasy. Only the GM needs to purchase the software, the players just connect using a browser. The GM has full control over everything. This software is basically a web server program that lets the players and GM alike move thier icons in the browser.
The GM can also play sounds, keep track of HitPoints etc.... anything you can do at the kitchen table, you can do in SM. (except share the pizza).
I find that I'm not able to draw maps that I feel are realistic. Does anyone know where you can find a random geneartor for a world that would give a good start so that I have an idea of how to draw what I want?
Comments
"http://www.profantasy.com/products/cc3.asp":http://www.profantasy.com/products/cc3.asp
Me, I still like to draw them by hand.
A source of a free unofficial expansion for both programs is the CSUAC, once available from the now defunct GM Syndicate. The CC3 version isn't currently available for download, but the Dunjinni version is now available at the "GM's Apprentice.":http://www.gmsapprentice.com/ The CC3 version is planned to be updated and reposted there someday as well.
I've heard some people are also having luck with a freeware called "AutoREALM":http://autorealm.sourceforge.net/index.php for those that don't want to spend any money on a mapping program. There are probably two dozen different cartography programs for gamers out there, but these are the best at the respective cost levels.
Butch has a podcast regarding fantasy cartography using Photoshop. I have yet to care enough to actually pursue it myself, but the results he gets are stunning.
I made my map with this prog, though this is not to the same quality as others it was real easy and not that long to make
you can find it here: http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaign/cold-light/maps/show/3884
I've used this software for many years & there are alot of sites with maps for you to download.
http://www.profantasy.com/
MadCartographer
http://www.nbos.com/
They also have alot of other software, some are free.
ScreenMonkey is a Virtual Table Top application, you add or create your own caming pieces. (I searched the net for monsters, player characters etc, I now have over 400 to choose from. Then you create your own maps.... see my previous post for ProFantasy. Only the GM needs to purchase the software, the players just connect using a browser. The GM has full control over everything. This software is basically a web server program that lets the players and GM alike move thier icons in the browser.
The GM can also play sounds, keep track of HitPoints etc.... anything you can do at the kitchen table, you can do in SM. (except share the pizza).
MadCartographer