Question from a Beginner

[N3X0]

Hi, I'm actually creating a virtual tabletop RPG, and I'm interested to do my own Map and Battlemap
I've seen some tutorial on internet but, they are a bit to complex for me who know absolutely nothing about mapping.

For exemple I really love this 2 maps, and I want to be able to do something similar
Forêt.jpgMap Monde.jpg

So I'm here to ask for some help.

I'm looking for any good advice.

And my first question is, what program I need to use?

I've seen some like Dundjinni, Fractal Design, Campaign Cartographer 3 and add-on like Dungeon Designer, and some people use Gimp or Photoshop...

So what is the best to begin?

( I'm really sorry if my english is bad, it's not my first language )

[Larb]

The first map looks like it was done by Bogie and I believe he uses Dundjinni so he would be able to tell you more about that as he does a lot of great dundjinni maps.

The second one I would guess was done in photoshop. And judging by the linework it was done using a drawing tablet too. That sort of map is a matter of practice and you'll want to familiarise yourself with photoshop through various tutorials. You could probably achieve similar results using GIMP but I am not familiar enough with that program.

[Bogie]

The first map looks like it was done by Bogie and I believe he uses Dundjinni so he would be able to tell you more about that as he does a lot of great dundjinni maps.

You are correct Larb, and thank you.

Hey N3X0, Welcome to the Guild.
I do use Dundjinni for the majority of my maps but I use photoshop a lot too. Dundjinni is a great program for beginners as you can quickly add and manipulate the objects and textures. The problem is Dundjinni is an old program and it is getting harder to load it and run it on current computers. It can be done, but it is a challenge.
I would suggest getting photoshop (expensive) or GIMP (similar to photoshop but free). Once you learn the basics (especially learn about layers) there are a ton of tutorials that will get you started. But everyone has their favorite program. A lot of people like CC3 and Fractal Design to.

[Azélor]

The second map is made by Torstan http://www.fantasticmaps.com/2013/05...ilding-by-map/

[N3X0]

Thx for your Quick answer,

The problem is, I'm a really bad illustrator, and I guess to use photoshop, I need to be good at draw.

[N3X0]

Here is some other awesome map I found.

Forest Stream.pngVillage on Lake.jpg

I really want to know if it's possible for a bad illustrator, to do map similar to that (With some train of course).

[EDIT]

I've tried Dundjinni, it's look easy to use, but the result is not really good I think

Test Dundjinni.jpg

Photoshop can be useful to enhance it?