Mapping software

[AEIOU]

Keep in mind that gaming is a hobby. And hobbies make us happy. And happiness is priceless.

My wife helped me put things in perspective a year ago when I was trying to justify buying a new sleeping bag for over $300. And a new backpack. And maybe a new pair of boots. I recently added up the cost of my gear for a typical outing and was shocked that it was over $1500. For roughing it.... Anyways, back to my wife. She grew up skiing pretty frequently. She asked me how much I'm paying for lodging on the trail (nada), how much for food ($15-20 for a weekend), how much for travel ($20ish) and how often do I replace gear (almost never). Then she pointed out that between gear, gas, lodging and eating out, skiing and most other sports hobbies made my outdoors budget look downright thrifty. I bought the sleeping bag and didn't feel guilty.

For me, CC3 is the same way. My wife may some day regret putting things into perspective....

[Paragon]

All decent mapping software has a learning curve, and neither CC3 nor FM8 are small here; the former is probably more versatile, while the latter is somewhat (but only somewhat) easier to use.

[Exmortis]

I like AEIOU am a long time owner and just now mapper with Campaign Cartographer.

I just posted my first ever official work over at ProFantasy, check it out would love your feed back. Consider this a half a days work or so by an amateur, second full map attempt. When I was originally starting it, checked the Profantasy site for some tips, saw the new version was close, so decided to wait, it was worth it!

This was done using CC3+ and Mike Schley style which is just amazing!
http://forum.profantasy.com/comments...&page=1#Item_0

[Dervish]

I am loving CC3+ the only thing i can see is that the mountains are a bit large for my taste but they are not wrong its just a matter of preference

[AEIOU]

Change the scale? You can make them as big or small as you like.

[stuartwaring]

That looks brilliant. I have seen a lot of really incredible looking maps from CC3+ users, but am so far away from that right now!

[Chemlak]

Originally Posted by AEIOU

Change the scale? You can make them as big or small as you like.

This can be done manually before placement by holding Ctrl and moving the mouse up and down, as well as more precisely by selecting the entity and editing the scale.

[Mmurphy]

Originally Posted by Chemlak

This can be done manually before placement by holding Ctrl and moving the mouse up and down, as well as more precisely by selecting the entity and editing the scale.

By right mouse clicking just before placing the feature (while the feature is in the mouse). Note that CC3/CC3+ remembers your set scale so you will have to change it back when/if you want the original scale

[Vargr]

I use Hexographer in the Pro version.

I have been looking at the other tools (CC3, Fractal Mapper among others).

I love the maps I have seen others make, but alas, I neither have the patience nor the skill - not to mention the time - to pull that off.

I have had Hexographer for 2-3 weeks now and have got more mapping done already than I ever had in my entire life previously.

It is easy and fast to make maps and it is a surprisingly versatile and strong program.

I will recommend it if you like me need an easy and fast tool to make maps today that you need tomorrow at the gaming table.

My main concern is getting places and natural features placed in relation to another, so that I can look at it and make my story consistent (at least as far as the geography is concerned). All the blows and whistles of CC3 gets in the way for me as I end up spending more time on making a short coastline (and not even a good one at that) than I do on preparing for the game itself.

But boy, does the CC3 maps look beautiful when done by someone who knows what they are doing. :-)

[Paragon]

Hexographer is good for what it is, but people need to be aware what that is: terrain hex maps (and Traveller style sector/system maps); if you also want something for buildings or battlemaps, its not going to do it.