Map Makers - level of detail & quality [Archive] - Wizards Community

Map Makers - level of detail & quality [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
StingrayCorvette
07-20-07, 12:03 PM Hi,
I want to create several island maps based on real-world geography like the Island of Crete.
I would like to know from other map makers -
Do you hand draw all of your maps, or use graphics software to create them?
How much detail do you put into your maps?
Are cities and castles represented by big dots, sketches, or an actual outline of buildings/towers, etc.
Are most of the map makers using flat 2d shapes or using some form of 3d terrain features to make maps more life-like?
Are there any professional map makers out there who offer such services?
Thanks,
Elemental_Elf
07-21-07, 02:44 AM Hi

I'm not a great map maker, by any stretch, but I like to use a mix of Adobe Photoshop and MSPaint. I do all of my maps this way because its just easier for me. This is mainly due in part to the fact that I don't own a scanner. Even if I did, I would probably use it sparingly. To me the only good thing actual hand drawn maps are good for is getting an idea down so you can visualize it in an easy to modify format.

As for Detail, I struggle with this map to map. The biggest questions are: Who's seeing the map? Do they care for 'real' or 'flat' or either/niether? How much time do you have? And do you want it to look vintage, like an old map or do you want it to look like something the USGS would produce?

After answering those it should be fairly obvious which way you should go as far as hand draw v. Computer and Detail v. No detail.

Sorry, I wish I could be of more use.
Flarfeneh
07-21-07, 07:05 AM My most recent and main experience in map making lies in creating digital imagery which then renders the game world in a MUD, so it doesn't really mesh with what you're after, but I did run into a website during my endavours that might be of use to you.

http://www.fantasymaps.com/101/index.html

Other than that I think Elemental_Elf hits the nail on its head with what questions you should ask yourself before starting on your map.
Ikuraut
07-22-07, 04:15 AM Eh I don't know I do mine by hand. They come out alright if a little crude (I'm not a cartographer).
BelainDefenderofJerusalem
07-22-07, 10:42 AM personally, i think that nothing can beat a hand drawn map. it just adds that level of reality to your world.
Flarfeneh
07-22-07, 11:29 AM Using a wacom pad and photoshop or equivalent (and some mastery over these tools) you'll be able to make a very good looking digital hand-drawn map - or you could forget about the wacom pad and scan your hand-drawn map, and then proceed to layer it over a nice parchment texture and add more crispiness, fix little flaws, etc. Both techniques can be combined nicely.

I don't think you can truly say one or the other is better - in general, that is, whatever works best for you is the best way, of course.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
StingrayCorvette 07-20-07, 12:03 PM	Hi, I want to create several island maps based on real-world geography like the Island of Crete. I would like to know from other map makers - Do you hand draw all of your maps, or use graphics software to create them? How much detail do you put into your maps? Are cities and castles represented by big dots, sketches, or an actual outline of buildings/towers, etc. Are most of the map makers using flat 2d shapes or using some form of 3d terrain features to make maps more life-like? Are there any professional map makers out there who offer such services? Thanks,
Elemental_Elf 07-21-07, 02:44 AM	Hi I'm not a great map maker, by any stretch, but I like to use a mix of Adobe Photoshop and MSPaint. I do all of my maps this way because its just easier for me. This is mainly due in part to the fact that I don't own a scanner. Even if I did, I would probably use it sparingly. To me the only good thing actual hand drawn maps are good for is getting an idea down so you can visualize it in an easy to modify format. As for Detail, I struggle with this map to map. The biggest questions are: Who's seeing the map? Do they care for 'real' or 'flat' or either/niether? How much time do you have? And do you want it to look vintage, like an old map or do you want it to look like something the USGS would produce? After answering those it should be fairly obvious which way you should go as far as hand draw v. Computer and Detail v. No detail. Sorry, I wish I could be of more use.
Flarfeneh 07-21-07, 07:05 AM	My most recent and main experience in map making lies in creating digital imagery which then renders the game world in a MUD, so it doesn't really mesh with what you're after, but I did run into a website during my endavours that might be of use to you. http://www.fantasymaps.com/101/index.html Other than that I think Elemental_Elf hits the nail on its head with what questions you should ask yourself before starting on your map.
Ikuraut 07-22-07, 04:15 AM	Eh I don't know I do mine by hand. They come out alright if a little crude (I'm not a cartographer).
BelainDefenderofJerusalem 07-22-07, 10:42 AM	personally, i think that nothing can beat a hand drawn map. it just adds that level of reality to your world.
Flarfeneh 07-22-07, 11:29 AM	Using a wacom pad and photoshop or equivalent (and some mastery over these tools) you'll be able to make a very good looking digital hand-drawn map - or you could forget about the wacom pad and scan your hand-drawn map, and then proceed to layer it over a nice parchment texture and add more crispiness, fix little flaws, etc. Both techniques can be combined nicely. I don't think you can truly say one or the other is better - in general, that is, whatever works best for you is the best way, of course.