Any tips for mapping?

[sleepingdragon]

I usually just grab a map from a random dungeon generator, but have been wanting to up my game.

I was wondering if there are any tricks to mapping to make it easier. I'd prefer it to be some sort of easy to use software program, but currently seeking any and all advice. :)

[Lorathorn]

Incidentally, this just popped up for me recently, and looked somewhat intriguing.

https://www.patreon.com/the_geomorph_project

[Raymond Lambert]

Do you hook up your computer to a.big screen TV so everyone can look at tbat as tbe map instead of the table? This also allows long/tall maps that need not be erased and rewritten, if you don't mind scrolling.

If you use a.program, be careful how.many still images you throw in like bystanders in the arena seats or carts on the street as it may effect how fast/slow you can scroll or zoom in/out.

If you do write on a map on the table. You may want to make sure your map can all fit on the literal map without having to erase & rewrite. Or have portions where you can draw a ling tunnel and just loop it around.

One problem with limiting your map to just the shap of your table is that it sometimes leaves an empty 1/4 or , 18, whatever tbat leads players to say there must be a secret room around tnis empty spot.

[Muad'Dib]

Graph paper, pencil, pen, and imagination

I've tried other methods but I always go back to the classics.

[Lorathorn]

I would also do one of two things... either research pay products (maps or map packs that may have baked in encounters) or try to pick the brain of the people that make them. The author of that work is likely hungry for feedback, and will gladly give you their thought process on making said map, what makes it flow, how to do it more easily, etc. A lot of the creative minds attached to Pathfinder are usually very cool people who want nothing more than to discuss their craft.

[sleepingdragon]

well my reasons for the question is two fold.

1. I'm doing a blog ( http://drevrpg.blogspot.ca/ ) and want to see if there is an easy way to create a map that can be uploaded. I have a few ideas but trying to make it look professional.

2. I just picked up the iron gods adventure path and before I try to run it with my players, I want to have maps already setup to reduce the mapping delays.

I noticed something similar with other adventure paths where the setup is still a slog.

Will the Pathfinder Map Pack: Starship Corridors/Chambers and/or Pathfinder Flip-Mat: Tech Dungeon assist with this?

What I've used in the past is as follows:

http://donjon.bin.sh/d20/dungeon/

I love this for creating a map and repurposing it for my own needs. :)

[Benjamin Wenham]

Hi,

Thanks Lorathorn for mentioning The Geomorph Project, any support is most welcome. You might find that my geomorphs serve your purpose, especially if your game goes for a more theater of the mind approach to combat and old school feel.

However, I would be remiss in allowing it to be mentioned, without pointing you at a whole bunch of stuff which anyone interested in mapping should be aware off.

First off, DIY mapping is lots of fun. It is how I got started sharing my geomorphs and maps.

Getting started is easy. Paper and pencil is all you really need. It doesn't even need to be graph paper. If your going to try it out, a really good place to start is these mapping tutorials by Master Cartographer, Dyson Logos, champion of the DIY RPG scene. His blog, Dyson's Dodecohedron is also the number one source of mapping inspiration going, and worth keeping up with.

If your going to get into mapping, you'll probably eventually want a good supply of materials, and there is really no better choice than Squarehex, which is the the supplier of choice for most of the DIY Cartographers I know. From inch squared A2 sheet, suitable for dungeons, to overland hex maps, you'll find almost anything you could reasonably need.

0.3, 0.1, and 0.05 draftsman pens are the pens of choice, though the choice of make varies from user to user.

G+ has a number of active communities and artists. Here are some good starting points.

Map-Making in Games
The Library of Gaming Maps
Micro Maps

Also, if you want inch square battle maps, you might consider Inked Adventures who produces some awesome printable dungeon tiles.

and there is also Dave's Mapper