Hello from Philadelphia

[hughmac4]

Hello Cartographers!

I'm a longtime orienteering map dabbler, having generally been involved in automated map-making: creating useful real-world maps for myself and my orienteering club (DVOA.org) with open data and open software. But there's more to it than data, and automation! There's nothing more satisfying to look at than a well-designed map. The intersection of information, layout and design, and art is a really cool, challenging, and fascinating place to explore.

Over the past few weeks, my father has resurrected a plan to publish a fantasy book (first of at least six) he wrote a long time ago. He'd asked me to make the map way back when, and I said yes, but the project never went anywhere, due to ... life. Well, it's looking like he's really making an effort, so I shall, too!

I've been browsing the Cartographers' Guild forums for years, admiring the talent, skill, and dedication displayed by all of you. Since I've been exploring here so long, and will absolutely use the treasure trove of knowledge as I progress in this endeavor, I thought I would officially sign up. Hooray! Thank you all for such a wonderful resource for budding cartographers like myself, and others of all skill levels.

-HM4

[Tiana]

If he traditionally publishes, the publisher will buy and commission a piece of work for the book, you won't have to do it. If he self publishes, then yes, you should make a map. If you give up, come talk to us and someone will be available for the work. Obviously real world mapping and fantasy mapping are not quite the same, though some people have a shared passion in both arenas, a Tolkien-style map simply must be hand-drawn rather than produced in a GIS style program.

Feel free to share your thoughts on data and mapping and your skill in the real world mapping arena here.

[hughmac4]

Hi Tiana, great tips, thanks!! I haven't given up yet, but absolutely have you all in the back of my mind if I can't get it done by my self-imposed deadline, or if it seems to be jeopardizing family relations. I absolutely concur that a fantasy map should almost always be hand-drawn, I'm not entirely unskilled, and am enjoying the process.

Speaking of Tolkien: I have a great boxed set ('65 2nd Edition Revised) that has such fun maps! They're pretty unique, with their 2-color printing (blood red and black!). Click for bigger!

[hughmac4]

If he traditionally publishes, the publisher will buy and commission a piece of work for the book, you won't have to do it. ...

Does that apply to illustrations, too? He's been fretting over 'who will do the illustrations', and it would be great to say "just sell the book, Dad, that's what publishers are for." I'd still like to do the map, or a version of the map, but my feelings wouldn't be hurt if the publisher found a better map maker for the project. I'll post progress once I have more than style testing done.

[hughmac4]

As far as my mapping, I'm usually making orienteering or trail running maps, using Open Orienteering Mapper, open source data (LIDAR, OpenStreetMaps), and my own GPX tracks. It's just a once-in-a-while hobby.

Here's a fun one I made for a local college soccer team's summer team building weekend get together last year.