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Good mapping software?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
craveslove2
Dec 05, 2008 21:26:53 Could anyone recommend a good pc based mapping software? I want to get one as a gift for my GM, but have no idea what is good.

Thanks for any help.
#2
palomon
Dec 06, 2008 12:29:24 http://www.dndadventure.com/index.html
This is a decent fan site, and you'll notice on the left toolbar there is a "tools" section, which features a couple programs for mapping. They aren't great, but they might help you out.
#3
jobu169
Dec 06, 2008 18:07:37 www.dundjinni.com

Dundjinni is probably the best program.
#4
craveslove2
Dec 06, 2008 18:45:39 I did some more research after posting my question.

It seems Campaign Cartographer 3 is another popular one, or at least highly recomended one.

Does anyone have experience with any of these mapping software?
#5
m-bark
Dec 07, 2008 5:19:13 By "mapping", do you mean to refer to maps of countries and such, or to battlegrids for encounters? I myself took your question to mean the former, but the rest of the posters seem to take the second into account.
#6
craveslove2
Dec 07, 2008 12:37:54 Based on what my GM has done so far:

He mostly gives a word descrip of the countryside, etc.

He sketches out a map for dungeons and battles.

But this might just be because battles and dungeon exploration need maps.

So I would say, dungeon and battlefield maps are a necessity. Countryside and world maps....not sure. I think he might like that functionality, but don't know.
#7
craveslove2
Dec 10, 2008 3:07:35 I went with Campaign Cartographer 3 + Dungeon Designer 3.

My GM felt CC3 was best since all the maps could be put onto a single file for the the whole gameworld. Also, he has prior experience with CAD software.

DD3 was because he felt we would need more dungeon maps than city maps.
#8
ruffian
Dec 11, 2008 14:35:59 I'd go with Dundjinni http://www.dundjinni.com/default.asp

It is very easy to learn the program. Importing custom artwork is a snap along with export formats that can be imported to Photoshop. Works for large area & battle maps that can either be printed as whole large maps at your local print shop or onto Legal size sheets of paper at home to be pieced together. There is also a built in system for saving data/details for each room that allows you to access story info on a PC while running your games.

Example of a map I did using Dundjinni...
http://www.rpgmapshare.com/modules/g2/d/18038-4/HQ_TotJK-MES+200dpi.jpg

Prints Battle Maps at a Grid size compatible with D&D Minis!!!
#9
Wick
Dec 11, 2008 16:04:00
I'd go with Dundjinni http://www.dundjinni.com/default.asp

It is very easy to learn the program. Importing custom artwork is a snap along with export formats that can be imported to Photoshop.

I have a copy and I have never gotten it to work very well... I just don't get it.
Oh well it must be me because there is so much good stuff out there done using it.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 craveslove2 Dec 05, 2008 21:26:53	Could anyone recommend a good pc based mapping software? I want to get one as a gift for my GM, but have no idea what is good. Thanks for any help.
#2 palomon Dec 06, 2008 12:29:24	http://www.dndadventure.com/index.html This is a decent fan site, and you'll notice on the left toolbar there is a "tools" section, which features a couple programs for mapping. They aren't great, but they might help you out.
#3 jobu169 Dec 06, 2008 18:07:37	www.dundjinni.com Dundjinni is probably the best program.
#4 craveslove2 Dec 06, 2008 18:45:39	I did some more research after posting my question. It seems Campaign Cartographer 3 is another popular one, or at least highly recomended one. Does anyone have experience with any of these mapping software?
#5 m-bark Dec 07, 2008 5:19:13	By "mapping", do you mean to refer to maps of countries and such, or to battlegrids for encounters? I myself took your question to mean the former, but the rest of the posters seem to take the second into account.
#6 craveslove2 Dec 07, 2008 12:37:54	Based on what my GM has done so far: He mostly gives a word descrip of the countryside, etc. He sketches out a map for dungeons and battles. But this might just be because battles and dungeon exploration need maps. So I would say, dungeon and battlefield maps are a necessity. Countryside and world maps....not sure. I think he might like that functionality, but don't know.
#7 craveslove2 Dec 10, 2008 3:07:35	I went with Campaign Cartographer 3 + Dungeon Designer 3. My GM felt CC3 was best since all the maps could be put onto a single file for the the whole gameworld. Also, he has prior experience with CAD software. DD3 was because he felt we would need more dungeon maps than city maps.
#8 ruffian Dec 11, 2008 14:35:59	I'd go with Dundjinni http://www.dundjinni.com/default.asp It is very easy to learn the program. Importing custom artwork is a snap along with export formats that can be imported to Photoshop. Works for large area & battle maps that can either be printed as whole large maps at your local print shop or onto Legal size sheets of paper at home to be pieced together. There is also a built in system for saving data/details for each room that allows you to access story info on a PC while running your games. Example of a map I did using Dundjinni... http://www.rpgmapshare.com/modules/g2/d/18038-4/HQ_TotJK-MES+200dpi.jpg Prints Battle Maps at a Grid size compatible with D&D Minis!!!
#9 Wick Dec 11, 2008 16:04:00	I'd go with Dundjinni http://www.dundjinni.com/default.asp It is very easy to learn the program. Importing custom artwork is a snap along with export formats that can be imported to Photoshop. I have a copy and I have never gotten it to work very well... I just don't get it. Oh well it must be me because there is so much good stuff out there done using it.