Mapping Software: Dundjinni vs Campaign Cartographer 3

[Tarrintino]

I'm a RPG player & GM with over 20 years of experience in the hobby. One of the things I both love in game and to contribute to in a game is visual aids. And, as most games are run over a large area of land, maps play an integral part of most campaigns.

Branching recently into online gaming using D20Pro and Hero Lab, I'm looking at improving my online gaming experience by creating maps of my own (as opposed to simply copying & pasting maps in PDFs and those found online). Ideally, I'd like to get mapping software that I can make both large-scale maps (continents, cities, villages, regions, etc.), as well as maps on a small-scale for tactical miniatures purposes (dungeons, buildings, outdoor locations, etc.).

From what I've found so far, the two major mapping software for RPGs are:

Dundjinni (http://www.dundjinni.com/)

Campaign Cartographer 3 (https://secure.profantasy.com/products/cc3.asp)

I was hoping to get some reviews and opinions on these software packages from people who have used both, or even just only used one, and tell me about their experiences. What are the advantages/disadvantages to each software platform? What was the learning curve to using the new software? What sort of online resources and add-ons are available for both? And can users share maps online that they have created using the software platform?

Tarrintino

[Hama]

Dundjinni is for gridded maps, good for combats and online gaming. Capmaign Cartographer is a serious tool. Also costs much more than dundjinni.

[Anaro]

If I'm not mistaken, Dunjinni is still very dead. Check their forums before clicking "buy" button. Which is a bummer because it's a very easy product to get into. CC is much tougher to learn, IMO.

[archmagi1]

I've used CC3, and its learning curve is steep, and if you've ever used any sort of CAD in your life you'll throw up hands and uninstall it like i did. UI is pretty good, but the CLI and drafting processes are a bit convoluted.

Always wanted to try dundjinni, but as Anaro said, dead project.

[brock, no the other one...]

I've been a CC user since it's original DOS days and loved it. It's not that bad to learn, and a little bit of background in CAD and technical drawing helped a bit I think.

It's a good tool, and the folks that create it are accessible and friendly.

[Tordek Rumnaheim]

Here is a handy online guide to mapmaking. Credit to Sharoth for having the link on his profile.

[Tarrintino]

Do either Campaign Cartographer or Dunjinni have a training video library available on YouTube or on their sites that provide walkthroughs on how to use their software?

Tarrintino

[archmagi1]

No idea. Cartographer's Guild probably has some tutorials though.

[DM Klumz]

Tarrintino

Google "Joe Sweeney", his tutorials for CC3 I found really helpful. I had no experience in any kind of drawing (electronic or otherwise) and found learning to use CC3 not that hard once I found his stuff.

[JPSTOD]

Sadly Dundjinni is very dead...
It does not work on Windows 8...
Forums are quirky..

Yes there are CC3 Tutorials on Youtube...
I watch them often...Made using CC easier for sure..

Just wish that Profantasy would put out more art packs...

Dundjinni was excellent and easy to use..
fan Art made it the most varied Battle Mapper

[Ramarren]

I used CC3 for my Kingmaker campaign, and was very happy with the results. There is definitely a learning curve if you want your maps to look *good*...which is one of the whole points of mapping software.

I'm not particularly skilled (I've invested some time in learning it, however), and I was able to create this.

The 'zoomable' map is one of the output options from CC3, and the .PNG was also exported from there.

[brock, no the other one...]

Ramarren wrote:

I'm not particularly skilled (I've invested some time in learning it, however), and I was able to create this.

You've made a nice job of that Ramarren - I'm impressed.