Mapmaking! >.<

[ronstan]

Ok. I'm new at this. How on earth do you start making maps on this site? Anybody? I'm kind of... lost.

[NeonKnight]

Welcome to the Guild!

First thing I do, is come up with a general idea of where I want my campaign/stories to take place. Coastal region, Tropical, Temperate, Desert, etc, and then go from there.

[ronstan]

Thanks!

Ok... but do I draw one by hand and then upload it? Or is there some kind of program on this site that I can use?

[Korash]

Thanks!

Ok... but do I draw one by hand and then upload it? Or is there some kind of program on this site that I can use?

LOL

this is the second post that I saw today along the same lines. I think someone is send the impresion that we have the Holy Grail of Mapping hidden away here. This is a site where you can find all sorts of help with mapping, be it tutorials, critique (freindly and helpfull), elements to put in your map, inspiration, a place to "flaunt your wares" or even ask for getting a map done for you. But no magic button. Sorry

Welcome to the Guild and have fun mapping!

[ronstan]

Oh pffpht.

[arsheesh]

Hey there Ronstan, welcome to the Guild. Don't lose heart, learning how to doe cartography (especially if you are unfamiliar with the software involved) may not be an easy "just-add-water-and-stir" process, but, with a bit of initiative and allot of effort on your part, it is totally achievable, and even fun, once you get past the frustration of the initial learning curve. Here's where to start. Check out the "Quick-start guide to fantasy mapping" sticky posted at the top of the member introduction sub-forum. Next, pick the software that you want to use, my recommendation is to start with GIMP, since it is totally free and can be used to create some beautiful maps. Next, check out the tutorials sub-forum where you will find walk-thoughs on how to create various styles of maps. There are two really good walk throughs in regional map-making in GIMP by the way which you can find here:

http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?4084-[Award-Winner]-My-atlas-style-in-PS/page15

http://www.cartographersguild.com/showthread.php?1142-[Award-Winner]-Using-GIMP-to-Create-an-Artistic-Regional-RPG-Map

If you do decide to go with GIMP, it is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the GIMP users guide, which you can find at the GIMP site. I am fairly new to the guild myself, and have just completed my first map, so I know how daunting the learning process can be, but I also know that it's achievable. Once you've gone through the tutorials and have started to the map-making process, post a WIP and you will receive allot of helpful feedback from the Guild. Have fun.

Cheers,

-Arsheesh

[Steel General]

Welcome Aboard!

There is no actual software on the site for you to use. You could draw it by hand, scan it, then upload it.

Most of us use software (Campaign Cartographer, Photoshop, GIMP, Illustrator, etc.) - then upload it to get critiques, etc.

[Ascension]

We actually do have the Holy Grail of mapping here but only Arcana and RobA are allowed to see it as they are the Grand Masters of the Temple Cartographique. The rest of us would just get melted.

[Korash]

We actually do have the Holy Grail of mapping here but only Arcana and RobA are allowed to see it as they are the Grand Masters of the Temple Cartographique. The rest of us would just get melted.

Why, oh Why am I forever stuck in the lower mysteries!!!!

[mearrin69]

You don't get to touch the instamapping machine until your rep reaches 700...and, by then, you don't need it. Welcome to the guild! You don't need no steekin' macheens to make maps. Give it a shot.
M