New to Digital Cartography? Software General Information

[Wingh]

I am starting to use photoshop ans illustrator to make maps (instead of using them to make my architectural renders and presentations) with my Bamboo tablet, but I also used symbol driven softwares in the past. Nevertheless, most of my maps are drawn by hand.

[Colematthews]

So, you can freehand draw a map and make it look better on Gimp? I think that sounds like something I could try. Awesome.

[Bowchikawowers]

I currently use photoshop cs6, there's a world of difference between it and cs5 which is what I was originally trained in! It's a wonderful program for painting and you can get some nice effects, but it's pretty processor heavy. Especially if you get into higher res images and lots of layers (which I do) my poor computer spends about half my work time choking some days. Can anyone tell me how Gimp compares in that department? And if I know photoshop well am I going to have issues adjusting to it?

[Azélor]

From my experience, photoshop and especially the latest versions handles large file better than CS older version and Gimp. You can adjust to Gimp but it will take some time. Every software has a learning curve.

[Scoopz]

You know, whenever I look at this thread I'm quite surprised by the # of people who scan in handrawn maps.

[lobex3]

Is there a consensus about the best software to use for creating maps, especially maps of building and dungeon interiors?

[waldronate]

Is there a consensus about the best software to use for creating maps, especially maps of building and dungeon interiors?

Yes. You should use the software that best combines familiarity and flexibility and matches well with your personal workflow. I can't be more specific than that because software that is suitable for a beginner who wants to drop some symbols, text, and lines but will never touch that map again is most likely completely different than software used by a well-practiced and talented pro who is doing a series of maps based on a specific style and setting.

[Hollander]

Hello everyone, I'm new here!
My first reply btw.

I have a problem, I always draw maps, but
it doesn't look like I want it to.
When I look at virtual maps made on the computer it looks
way better, I now have a huge hand-drawn map and I want to remake
it on the computer, which programm should I use?

requirements:
I want it to look like this:
https://www.google.nl/search?q=fanta...1%3B1153%3B692

I want forests to be green on the map etc.
Also mountains and such should be visible.

If you have a perfect option for me could you please
explain me a bit how to install and use it.

[AzurePlanet]

Hello everyone!
I use these software:
DraftSight, which is a free CAD very similar to AutoCAD Light. With this program you can manage dwg and dxf files, also you can use raster images as background.
Quantum GIS and GRASS GIS, two of the best free GIS.
Wilbur, my favourite free terrain generator/manager.
GIMP, no presentation needed, I only should learn better this program.

[Robert]

I will have to try Wilbur, and I guess I need to redownload gimp