Best Map Maker to go with Realm Works?

jerrycnh · November 6th, 2013, 06:42 PM

So I'm using the imminent release of Realm Works as an excuse to take my old game world of twelve years, which has been abused and converted through three systems and mangled by tons of history, and kick it out the window in favor of a new world. And I've decided since the Realm Works money is burning a hole in my pocket and I'm eager to start worldbuilding that I can productively use the time by doing some overland mapmaking. Trouble is, not sure which mapmaker I want to use.

Here's what I know:

I like the idea of a map that I can overlay a grid on, make each grid spot a coordinate, and then make child maps zoomed in on each coordinate to describe features. This would allow me to declare each hex (or square) to constitute one day's journey by foot, 1/3rd day's journey by mount, and give me good pacing regarding how far away any point is from any other point in the game. Hexographer seems great for that, but it has a few minor problems that are making me less satisifed, most significant being that I want something with maybe 10% more detail in it's implementation.

What are you guys using or planning on using?

DMG · November 6th, 2013, 07:00 PM

Campaign Cartographer is good, even if it is a little bit expensive.

No idea how it'll work in with Realm Works.

Zaphod Beebledoc · November 7th, 2013, 03:20 AM

Campaign Cartographer

Pricey, but you can create some stunning maps. Plenty of add-ons.

You can create world maps, city maps, dungeon maps, starship maps and more. Also has a support forum.

Hexographer is a Java based app that runs in the browser. It creates Hex based maps. It is free with the option to upgrade.

Dungeonographer is also a Java based app. For creating dungeons and medieval type building. Again, has the option to upgrade.

Maidhc O Casain · November 7th, 2013, 05:32 AM

I use Campaign Cartographer almost exclusively. Almost all of my games are via forums these days, so I convert my maps to .jpg or .png for that. I know RW will handle both of those formats.

Mmurphy · November 7th, 2013, 03:50 PM

I too use Campaign Cartographer. Also, if you look on you-tube for "joe sweeney mapping" you can find some quick tutorial videos.

Note: I have no affiliation with Campaign Cartographer nor with Joe Sweeney

AEIOU · November 7th, 2013, 04:08 PM

My recommendation is to look at what folks are making over in the Map-Making community on G+. https://plus.google.com/u/0/communit...74940532146183 should get you there.

BoomerET · November 7th, 2013, 04:08 PM

Another nod to CC and the Annuals.

rob · November 7th, 2013, 04:22 PM

In terms of raw power and capability, Campaign Cartographer is excellent. The caveat to keep in mind is that it's not cheap - far from it - and there is a very steep learning curve involved. So adopting CC means a non-trivial investment of both money and time. If all you want is 10% more than Hexographer/Dungeonographer, you might find that CC is way more than you bargained for.

I miss Dundjinni, which struck a reasonable balance between power and complexity for my tastes. Alas, it's gone the way of the Dodo...

The suggestion above regarding the map-making community on G+ is a great one.

thedarkelf007 · November 7th, 2013, 09:10 PM

I love using Campaign Cartographer myself. Though I really need to sit down and figure out how to use it again.

There is also Astrosythisis for 3D star charts, not that I have used this alot either, but it is possible to create a star chart from an excel file so you could tinker with it and use positioning from real world or which ever made up universe it is in.

Chemlak · November 8th, 2013, 12:09 AM

A while ago I rinsed an insane amount of money on Campaign Cartographer and the majority of the expansions. It is, as others have said, excellent, expensive, and tricky to master. I consider it to be well worth the price I paid, though. The only downside is that you pretty much have to use it to maintain your skills. The end result is truly amazing maps, though.

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DMG Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 195 November 6th, 2013, 07:00 PM	Campaign Cartographer is good, even if it is a little bit expensive. No idea how it'll work in with Realm Works.
#2

Maidhc O Casain Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Jonesboro, AR (USA) Posts: 858 November 7th, 2013, 05:32 AM	I use Campaign Cartographer almost exclusively. Almost all of my games are via forums these days, so I convert my maps to .jpg or .png for that. I know RW will handle both of those formats.
#4

Mmurphy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dayton, Nevada--USA Posts: 129 November 7th, 2013, 03:50 PM	I too use Campaign Cartographer. Also, if you look on you-tube for "joe sweeney mapping" you can find some quick tutorial videos. Note: I have no affiliation with Campaign Cartographer nor with Joe Sweeney
#5

AEIOU Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1,147 November 7th, 2013, 04:08 PM	My recommendation is to look at what folks are making over in the Map-Making community on G+. https://plus.google.com/u/0/communit...74940532146183 should get you there.
#6

BoomerET Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Livermore, CA Posts: 492 November 7th, 2013, 04:08 PM	Another nod to CC and the Annuals. Castles & Crusades Ruleset for Hero Lab Hero Lab (5E D&D) -> Fantasy Grounds Character Converter
#7

Chemlak Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 432 November 8th, 2013, 12:09 AM	A while ago I rinsed an insane amount of money on Campaign Cartographer and the majority of the expansions. It is, as others have said, excellent, expensive, and tricky to master. I consider it to be well worth the price I paid, though. The only downside is that you pretty much have to use it to maintain your skills. The end result is truly amazing maps, though.
#10