Hello all. I am sure, were I to ever run this AP (something I am going to aim for), I'd have a definite desire to map out the individual areas and do close up maps of individual grids of note in detail as they are settled and built up.
To this end, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on some good mapping programs that are easy to use and designed for different map effects and styles. Price may be a factor, but I'd pay extra for a great, easy to use system that fit the bill.
I know, I know...I can do a google search and get a million hits, but I figured here I could get some nice, up to date, anecdotal info from actual customers of these products, rather than the sellers.
Any info appreciated.
I use Profantasy's CC3, but not as much as I'd like to.
Since you mentioned you'd want something for different map effects and styles I'd definitely check it out here.
The core program combined with a few addons and the annuals create a powerful package for overland, dungeon/indoor, city maps and more with a broad range of styles. The maps are easily editable and you can quickly change the shape/design since its vector based.
You can either buy a lot at once for a discount, or add more as you go.
Also the Profantasy forums or Cartographer's Guild are great for help and tutorials.
I can't recommend Hexographer highly enough.
I will also jump on this praise. I spent the 15 minutes (or was it 20?) watching the tutorial, and found that this program has a ton of features and is really easy to use. It's free to generate a map online (and you can save the files & print IIRC.
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I made a very simple map system in my kingdom excel file. you can find it here kingmaker1.4.zip
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I can't recommend Hexographer highly enough.
3rd this. Simple, lots of options and free. 3 things I love.