MapTools Maps? Anyone have them?

[Aldarionn]

I'm trying to extract the images from my PDF's and import them for use in MapTools but I honestly have no idea how this software works. I've found an extraction program that seems to be fine with half of my PDF Map files, but errors out on the other half. On top of that MapTools doesn't seem to want to import the files once I do extract them.

I'm banging my head against a wall trying to figure this out and I really have no idea what I am doing.

Does anyone have the maps from this AP already in MapTools format for easy importing? If so and you don't mind sharing I would be VERY grateful.

[Carter Lockhart]

I'm afraid I don't use extraction tools. When It comes to images, I use adobe reader to open the files and either copy the image and paste it into GIMP for saving in .png format, or using the 'picture' tool to select the area that I want to copy and paste.

[leo1925]

Take a look at this post, it most probably won't help you with the importing (to maptools) issue but it will help you with the extracting.

[Haladir]

Use the PDFs from the AP itself, not the Interactive Maps. You also need Acrobat Pro. Just click on the graphic and select "save as...". You should get a bitmap image of the graphic file. I'd probably recommend changing format to JPG to fave on file size.

Save your graphic in one of you MapTool graphics folders. Then create a new map. Switch to background layer, the drag in your map. You'll need to play with both the gridline settings and resizing the map a little to get the gridlines to line up. It takes some practice, but I got it down to 2-3 minutes of work.

If you want to add elements, draw or import them in different layers, reserving Background for the map itself.

I had some maps from SS (specifically The Asylum Stone) that I used in my Runelords campaign, but a MapTool upgrade scrogged the files, and I haven't taken the time to try to recover them.

Check out the Technology board for more MapTool help.

One other thing about MapTool: the lion's share of users have jumped ship for Roll20. MT has a very diminished user base than it did even 2 years ago.

[captain yesterday]

and how is roll d20 better then maptools? Im just wondering i have no rpg tech experience so just looking into it

[Haladir]

I don't have first-hand experience with Roll20, so I can't comment other than generalities.

1) Roll20 is web-based and works on any browser that's HTML 5 compliant, including tablets. (MapTool is a Java application that you install onto your computer. It doesn't work on Android or iOS tablets.)

2) MapTool is dependent on specific versions of Java, and is usually months behind the curve for supporting new Java releases. If you upgrade Java on your computer, MapTool won't launch.

3) Roll20 has a far superior user interface.

4) Roll20 has dedicated support staff.

5) The MapTool scripting language SUCKS. Despite hours of trying, I could never figure it out. Documentation of the language is woefully incomplete and terribly written when it does exist. (Alas, that's typical of open-source projects.)

Drawbacks to Roll20:

1) Requires public hosting of maps. This means using Paizo map images is a violation of Community Use. (And Roll20 won't allow using them.)

2) MapTool has a better Fog of War and line-of-sight reveal.

3) Roll20 advanced features require paid subscription. MapTool is free.

[leo1925]

Haladir wrote:

3) Roll20 advanced features require paid subscription. MapTool is free.

To be fair (from what i have heard) it's half advanced features and half beta testing said features.

[Glock-9mm]

Aldarionn wrote:

Does anyone have the maps from this AP already in MapTools format for easy importing? If so and you don't mind sharing I would be VERY grateful.

I'm running this AP at the moment and with Maptools, here is how I put the maps into maptools from the PDFS.

(1) Open AP PDF
(2) Go to Page / Map I want
(3) Enter Full screen Mode and make Map as large as I can
(4) Cut Map out with Clipping tool (Office Onenote has one (Its Windows+S)) - there are plenty of free ones online - If not use Print Screen the and clip in the next step
(5) Paste Clipping into Paint
(6) Save as PNG
(7) Import Into New Map
(8) Add topology etc..

Regards
G-9mm

[Balgin]

This is probably a bit late now but .... Aldarionn. If you want to send me a PM I can help you. I've been running the adventure path using Map Tool. I can probably extract maps again or simply send you campaign files provided you haven't got it all sorted out by now already.

I've been using the Pathfinder framework so all the tokens have lots of special macros set up to do skill checks, attack rolls etc but they're all in the campaign window. I wouldn't want to burden a map tool novice with the framework but I could easily extract the maps and tokens for you to use if you really need them all done for the first three books.

If you'd like the files please get in touch and we'll work out some way of getting the files to you :).

[KalRyan]

Balgin wrote:

This is probably a bit late now but .... Aldarionn. If you want to send me a PM I can help you. I've been running the adventure path using Map Tool. I can probably extract maps again or simply send you campaign files provided you haven't got it all sorted out by now already.

I've been using the Pathfinder framework so all the tokens have lots of special macros set up to do skill checks, attack rolls etc but they're all in the campaign window. I wouldn't want to burden a map tool novice with the framework but I could easily extract the maps and tokens for you to use if you really need them all done for the first three books.

If you'd like the files please get in touch and we'll work out some way of getting the files to you :).

I am actually running this campaign for my home group and have just discovered the wonder that is maptools. Do you still have these maps that you might be able to share?

[Cyrad]

It's an old thread, dude. But PM me if you have questions about MapTool. I've been using it for years.