What are the best Map design tools

BillytheCrayon · March 29th, 2014, 12:19 PM

I am looking for some good map creation tools. Something powerful, and if possible, fairly simple to use. I don't mind paying for something, if it does the job good.

I am looking for any software to help design World, Region, City/town/village, interior, dungeon, encounter, or any other types of maps that would help in a large scale Pathfinder campaign.

EightBitz · March 29th, 2014, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillytheCrayon

I am looking for some good map creation tools. Something powerful, and if possible, fairly simple to use. I don't mind paying for something, if it does the job good.

I am looking for any software to help design World, Region, City/town/village, interior, dungeon, encounter, or any other types of maps that would help in a large scale Pathfinder campaign.

Campaign Cartographer fits every requirement except "simple to use". It depends on what you're doing, though. It has some features that are simple to use, and some that involve a learning curve.

Kairos · March 29th, 2014, 01:33 PM

I like Fractal Mapper by NBOS software. It's pretty powerful, but easy to use and learn.

Maidhc O Casain · March 29th, 2014, 07:18 PM

I use Campaign Cartographer. Simple maps are simple to create, but you can get as complex as you wish - adding different sheets and layers, applying effects (lighting, glows, etc). The more complex your map, the steeper the learning curve, of course. But an excellent tool for all levels, IMO.

Mmurphy · March 30th, 2014, 07:06 AM

I second (or third) the Campaign Cartographer (www.profantasy.com). In addition, the customer service is excellent. If you have a question about how to do something, they answer quickly (on the forums) or someone else will.

There is one minor drawback. Since most of the mapping is done with small images, it does take up a fairly large amount of harddrive space, about 350mb download.

I am showing a link to 'how to create an overland map' on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr-9BaNC2nQ). Note this is part E just to show you what it can do (this is a "how too video" and I like to review it.). I do not have any affiliation with campaign cartographer.

bitwise · March 30th, 2014, 10:19 AM

I use Campaign Cartographer for my city-level and smaller and Photoshop for overland maps.

Zaphod Beebledoc · March 30th, 2014, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mmurphy

I am showing a link to 'how to create an overland map' on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr-9BaNC2nQ). Note this is part E just to show you what it can do (this is a "how too video" and I like to review it.). I do not have any affiliation with campaign cartographer.

Ah, the wonderful Joe Sweeney!

bilwar · March 31st, 2014, 05:24 PM

I use dundjinni I think that's the proper spelling, no steep learning curve, not as costly as CC3 but, it does have costs if you want every thing, you can even use your own tokens in it.
Its not perfect, but, it does do a pretty good job and if you have a good program for resizing pictures or for making tokens, it can be very useful

Venger · 05:03 AM

Campaign Cartographer is unbeatable. It has a rather steep learning curve but you can do anything you can imagine with it regarding mapping.

They are about to release a new version, CC3+ or something like that, with a new engine that will be something closer to Photoshop layering or something like that.

Ashekelor · April 1st, 2014, 08:00 AM

I also use Campaign Cartographer. I am not a person who learns programs of this nature easily and CC3 has a steep learning curve. However by using the tutorial you will easily make competent maps in a few hours.

I would recommend "The Tome of Ultimate Mapping" as a side product.

BillytheCrayon Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 2 March 29th, 2014, 12:19 PM	I am looking for some good map creation tools. Something powerful, and if possible, fairly simple to use. I don't mind paying for something, if it does the job good. I am looking for any software to help design World, Region, City/town/village, interior, dungeon, encounter, or any other types of maps that would help in a large scale Pathfinder campaign.
#1

Kairos Senior Member Volunteer Data File Author Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 173 March 29th, 2014, 01:33 PM	I like Fractal Mapper by NBOS software. It's pretty powerful, but easy to use and learn. Authoring Kit Rule Sets (now with functioning links!): Qin: The Warring States Doctor Who: Adventures in Time and Space MEGS/BoH/DC Heroes (work in progress)
#3

Maidhc O Casain Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Jonesboro, AR (USA) Posts: 858 March 29th, 2014, 07:18 PM	I use Campaign Cartographer. Simple maps are simple to create, but you can get as complex as you wish - adding different sheets and layers, applying effects (lighting, glows, etc). The more complex your map, the steeper the learning curve, of course. But an excellent tool for all levels, IMO.
#4

bitwise Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 2 March 30th, 2014, 10:19 AM	I use Campaign Cartographer for my city-level and smaller and Photoshop for overland maps.
#6

bilwar Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Wisconsin USA Posts: 4 March 31st, 2014, 05:24 PM	I use dundjinni I think that's the proper spelling, no steep learning curve, not as costly as CC3 but, it does have costs if you want every thing, you can even use your own tokens in it. Its not perfect, but, it does do a pretty good job and if you have a good program for resizing pictures or for making tokens, it can be very useful
#8

Venger Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 95 March 31st, 2014, 07:49 PM	Campaign Cartographer is unbeatable. It has a rather steep learning curve but you can do anything you can imagine with it regarding mapping. They are about to release a new version, CC3+ or something like that, with a new engine that will be something closer to Photoshop layering or something like that. Last edited by Venger; April 1st, 2014 at 05:03 AM.
#9

Ashekelor Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 1 April 1st, 2014, 08:00 AM	I also use Campaign Cartographer. I am not a person who learns programs of this nature easily and CC3 has a steep learning curve. However by using the tutorial you will easily make competent maps in a few hours. I would recommend "The Tome of Ultimate Mapping" as a side product.
#10