Pleiades Star Map

[GMNelson]

Regarding the License to use the Image:

This file is in the public domain because it was solely created by NASA. NASA copyright policy states that "NASA material is not protected by copyright unless noted".

So: use it however you wish



Kind regards,
Kai

Thanks, Kai!
I just wish I had photo shop skills so I could do more than crappy pixilated lines connecting dots

[GMNelson]

Pleiades Picture map.png
Here's what I have using the NASA picture.
Still looks unprofessional, but worlds better than what I started with.
What else should I do?

[Jalyha]

Well first... the lines ARE pixel-y.

Have you tried using the different brushes or playing with the brush settings to get smoother lines?

Second... the font isn't really attractive *to me*, but then, I see things funny....


And 3.... your lines don't have to go *all the way through* the stars. You could leave an area around the center of the star clear

[GMNelson]

I'm using a very basic paint tool, i'm afraid. not much variety.
The font is there as a stand in. wanted something bold so it could be seen against the black.
Not sure how I'd go about doing that without mucking up the image. As I said, not experienced with this sort of thing

[Jalyha]

Ohhhh you don't have software


In that case, I suggest you get some GIMP is free and very much like photoshop I'm told (i don't have photoshop ) I know there's some other ones too... I think Wilbur or something like that. There's a list you can access from the links at the top of the homepage that will show the softwares used by people here, and the cost (if any) and some other details

[schattentanz]

While Gimp is cool, it might be confusing to a new user.
Without the aid of some tutorials, you are basically lost.

The map, Jalyha linked, is mine as has been done in PowerPoint 2010 mostly (in case you have acccess to this one..)

Also, this Little mockup here has been done in PowerPoint 2010:



It's just some basic shapes, and via the properties I removed the filling and added transparency.

If you want to try your luck with PP, you might want to go for this tutorial at first:
http://www.cartographersguild.com/tu...wing-tool.html

During this tut you are basically raising the resolution to print quality and you add some shape changing tools.



Kind regards,
Kai

[Azélor]

You might also consider reducing the icon size according to the distance between the star and the viewer.

On a side (sad) note: These seven stars are B stars, very hot and luminous one. Pretty in the sky, they age too quickly for lifeforms to develop naturally. Planets could still be colonized and terraformed in a sci-fi universe tough.
And don't forget that the cluster contain a lot more than 7 stars. Many of them are likely to have good planets for lifeforms.

[GMNelson]

Azelor, I'm aware that realistically the idea that these stars do have livable planets or even terraformable planets is highly unlikely, and in fact several of the traditional Pleiades are several stars (Acetone is actually three stars), they provide a nice setting that can be loosely influenced by Greek Lore.
I've created an entirely new system for this game. In essence, this is it's equivalent to D&Ds Greyhawk campaign world. Other GMs will make new systems or clusters.

[schattentanz]

Sapiento took a nice approach with a b/w star map here:
http://www.cartographersguild.com/fi...tml#post237112

Simple, but effective ...

Just some food for thought ...

[schattentanz]

sorry for doubleposting ..

I did another mockup, inspired by the thread linked:



(You need to click on it, to see the full size)

Tools used: PowerPoint 2010 only

Time needed: ~30 mins



Kind regards,
Kai