Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Chad_Sexington 03-26-07, 03:30 PM	i was just wondering if everyone draws their map free hand like I do, or is there some computer programes out there that you use? If so what are they.
tankschmidt 03-26-07, 04:01 PM	For large cities or world maps I use AutoRealm, but for small villages or dungeons I use graph paper and pencil. It works for me!
Sir Loin of Beef 03-26-07, 06:08 PM	This really seems to be a popular question on these boards as it pops up here every so often. There are actually several fairly nice Computer Programs out there if you are interested in that sort of thing. I have used Pro-Fantasy's Campaign Cartographer a few times and I do like it. However, I agree with tankschmidt in that there is nothing like a good ol' fashioned hand drawn map. I think even when I do use a computer program, I will STILL hand draw the map first just to give me a point of reference.
Cyanide300 03-26-07, 07:37 PM	I usually draw them by hand first, on a 24x36 sheet of news print paper (you can get such a tablet at most office supply stores or art stores). Then I take a digital pic of it and put that on the computer. From there, I use my Wacom drawing tablet to trace it in Photoshop and then paint details and add other features. I do it that way because just drawing a map at such high resolution from scratch in Photoshop makes it hard to natural looking coast lines. Plus I don't have to be in front of the computer to do it. Personally I prefer to draw things myself since I'm not limited by what content is available in an RPG mapping program. But I understand not everybody is an artist. I like Dundjinni for doing interior maps, and it's ok for small scale exterior maps too.
SokenzanMarauder 03-26-07, 07:43 PM	For dungeons (ex. anything underground or inside a building) I draw it on plain graph paper. I do the same for smaller cities. For large cities (metropolises and the like) I first draw them on a small scale on graph paper then scan them onto my PC and touch them up and add minute details. -Gene
yellowdingo 03-26-07, 08:54 PM	I use Microsoft Word. Increase the page dimensions to 21 inch x 21 inch. Wilderness: Do hexmaps in word one hex at a time. Dungeons/Spacecraft/Buildings: Do maps on the square grid. Cheaper than CAD.
Delfedd 03-26-07, 09:42 PM	I tend to use Rich Burlew (http://www.giantitp.com/articles/xO3dVM8EDKJPlKxmVoG.html)'s method, and draw by hand. There's just so much that you can do by hand that can't be captured by most programs. When I draw maps to give my players, I like to put doodles on the side, so they know what a "Whirlwind of Darkness" is.
Syn_Exelian 03-26-07, 11:15 PM	I generally draw my maps by hand in a 3H pencil and use an ultra-fine-tip black maker to trace what I've done and want to keep. Sometimes I'll use the aging effect with certain watercolour paints and tea.
John Paul Stoddard 03-27-07, 01:27 AM	Campaign Cartographer for Campaign and City Maps Dundjinni For 1" = 5 ' scaled detail MAps
EffigyOfFaith 03-27-07, 11:27 AM	I used to draw all my maps by hand on graph paper with colored pencils. These day I have been using photoshop to make them. I like to control and edit-ability of having my maps on the computer. It allows me to change say, physical features I thought I was done with, with ease to fit political features as I make them up. Here is a link that has a tutorial that makes up the foundation of the technique that I have recently used. The adice on using layers and drawing mountians is very helpful. http://www.zompist.com/howto2.htm
roninwolf109 03-27-07, 11:41 AM	I draw my maps with my fingers...and a pencil...and paper. Preferably graph paper... :smirk: