Maps and Whatnot

[Ghoster]

Does anyone know any good ways to create custom world maps and big maps for cities, continents, and whatnot? The AI-generated ones kind of have me going meh, especially with their lack of control, and the people who I might commission for art do not always do maps and geography. So I am looking for maybe a "happy middle ground" between those two if they even exist.

[Mark Hoover 330]

The only free one I ever used online was Hexographer, and the only one I ever paid for was Campaign Catographer. I don't know any other resources than those, my own drawings or repurposing art from others. What have you tried so far that feels "meh?"

[Phoebus Alexandros]

I played around with the free version of Inkarnate, and it seemed perfectly fine for large-scale maps. I didn't try to see whether you could do anything city-wise, though.

[Bjørn Røyrvik]

I'm with Mark and only used Hexographer and CC. I never got particularly good with them but some people are very good

[Cori Marie]

I'm a big fan of DungeonDraft, and I've been meaning to try their large scale equivalent Wonderdraft but haven't yet

[Azothath]

I've used several.
> Fractal generators are amusing as they totally ignore plate tectonics, geology, and weather. It's just an effort to mathematically generate stuff.
> Token/icon based map tools. Great for casual use. It uses formatted pictures in a simple graphics/formatted scale program, the map tool does square things up nicely and plonk things down in a grid nicely using a set scale. I believe several published products have used these tools as they are real time savers.
> Drafting applications. I haven't seen anyone using professional architectural drawing tools. Their commands are reversed from the usual verb-noun format. They are also horrible with graphics in an artsy way. Blue lines on paper baby! (it's more than that but my target audience will get that joke)
> Graphics programs... these give you the most control and style but they are just "pictures" not architectural drawings or plans (no embedded measuring). Scale is an issue. Skill with the tool is an issue. They do produce the best artsy pictures and realistic maps. Use layers to save your sanity.

I'd say the skills/knowledge you need is somewhat tailored to the task; buildings, towns, cities, geography/worlds, and astronomy/solar systems. If you're better with art then I'd ask a friend with those skills to proof your plan before you get too detailed.

[doc chaos]

Bjørn Røyrvik wrote:

I'm with Mark and only used Hexographer and CC. I never got particularly good with them but some people are very good

This! Those links are why I love Mystara. There are a very talented group of map makers over there. Many years of experience. The 8 mile hexes bundle places up just right for me.

While there are large 100yd hex maps, I am looking for large battlefield 5ft grid maps with diversified terrain. Most programs I come across are for indoor maps. Plus, I'm using a tablet. Is there something that I can make outdoor grid maps with?

[Bjørn Røyrvik]

If you need more suggestions than the ones already here I'd suggest signing up to the Piazza, where most of these mappers hang out, and asking there. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help.