New to Digital Cartography? Software General Information

[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.

[GM Smiles]

And if you do decide to buy, don't forget to use the affiliate link on the front page of this site!

Talk about thread necromancy! I know that this was posted back in 2009 but I'm considering updating my old CC2 software, and if there is an affiliate link for Profantasy (couldn't find it on the home page of the website), I'd be happy to use it.

Can anybody fill me in? Is this affiliate programme still running?

[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.

[EvilGinger]

Still learning my way round GIMP 2.8 and very much a beginner I also do the occasional hand drawn map and have it scanned but since most of my maps are done for VTT use on on my gaming blog digital is considerably easier.

I have considered online generators but as I am quite specific in what I need form a given map I would likely end up editing them in GIMP after the event any way.

[The_Listener]

I personally use Photoshop/Illustrator with a Wacom tablet. Sometimes I will use a scanner as well. Never really got into online generators, I like making my own worlds.

[johnvanvliet]

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

i can think of one reason

an idea i am thinking of
Arrakis from Dune

these were in the paperback books

http://feyd.rautha.free.fr/Dune/Arrakis%20map%201.jpg
http://feyd.rautha.free.fr/Dune/Arrakis%20map%202.jpg

then using that as a base for a "shape from shade" FFT program ( code i am hacking together )
( heavily edited image , very edited ones )
-- a uncalabrated DEM for the north and south poles

these can then be added into a mix of a few types of fractal 16 bit height maps


you end up with something like this rendering of the south in blender


but this is just something i am playing around with