Welcome!
The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.
Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.
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On closer inspection of the map from my satchel, there were several things that stood out to me. Rivers ran loosely into the lakes and sea, hills and terrain sat on top of each other, the coastline was too thick, and I still didn't know where I was on the map. How do you orient yourself to imagined terrain features when you don't know your starting point? It's too much to even think about all at once ... small bites, still eats up the elephant. I set about trying to relax and just take ...