Is there a Photoshop or Illustrator action/plug-in for adding complexity?

[gkoch1]

I've been making hand-drawn maps for a long time, but was wondering recently if there's a way to draw a simple line or shape and to run a script/action/plug-in to add complexity to it.

Here's a link to what I mean. Basically, I'd like to draw a vague coastline or continent, then let the system automate my desired level of complexity. In the example, I hand-drew each of those, but the idea is that I could draw the line/object in Step One, then run the script/action to get the results in Line 2, then run it again to get the results in Line 3.

I generally work in Photoshop with (obviously) raster files, but I'd be keen to learn Illustrator if the latter has the ability to do this.

Thanks!

[Turambar]

If you're using Gimp RobA wrote a script for just that: https://www.cartographersguild.com/s...ead.php?t=6465

There may be an equivalent Photoshop plugin somewhere.

[gkoch1]

Ooh, that's cool. Thank you! Will need to check out Gimp. That's exactly what I'm seeking.

[ChickPea]

If you're working with vector (since you mentioned Illustrator) you might consider the fractalize extension in Inkscape...

Export an SVG from Illustrator and open in Inkscape
If you're working with a raster file, you can still use Inkscape, but you'd need to export a PNG from Photoshop, import this into Inkscape, then run Path > Trace Bitmap on to create a vector object.
Then go to Extensions > Modify Path > Fractalize
Play about with the numbers to see what suits you (turn on the Live preview)
After running the function, there will be a lot of nodes. If you want reduce them, try hitting Ctrl + L (Simplify) once or twice.
You can export a high-res PNG if you want a raster file to open again in Photoshop, or use File > Save As and select 'Optimised SVG' from the drop down box of file types. You should be able to open this in Illustrator without any problems (I hope!)

I don't have PS or Illustrator so can't offer any advice for those programs. Sorry.

[gkoch1]

I'll check out Fractalize. Thank you. I don't know Inkscape, but I'm willing to learn if it gives me the output I seek. Much appreciated!

[Tiana]

Check out Other World Mapper, it has the ability to draw a vector fractal line and adjust its complexity and the seed for fractalizing it.