Looking for Good (preferably freeware) Map-Making program

Etola · Mar 2, 2010

Hello all, I'm working on a fantasy novel which (of course) involves a lot of world-building. I was wondering if anyone could recommend some good overland map-making programs, preferably either freeware or available for very cheap. I've been doing the old pencil-and-graph-paper route, but it would be handy to have a clean version where I can add in legends and create multiple different versions (terrain, political boundaries, etc.).

Suggestions appreciated!

jhmcmullen · Mar 2, 2010

I believe AutoRealm is now free. (http://autorealm.sourceforge.net/index.php)

John

Cybernaught · Mar 2, 2010

There's a program somewhere called "RPG Maker." Last time I used it, it was free. It's intent is for those who wish to design their own RPG games, but I've found the mapmaking software on it rather simple to use. You can also make your own sprites and stage wars if you're in a really creative mood.

K_Woods · Mar 2, 2010

Depends. RPG Maker XP and RPG Maker VX are 30-day trial, and US$60 for the license after that. There are no other legitimate PC versions in English - and yes, they are Windows only.

I thought AutoRealm was always free, or at least it's been free as long as I've known about it. It's worth a try.

There are various programs out there made with gamers in mind, each with their own benefits and flaws - I'm not very familiar with them, though, though I have friends who've bought and used them. Campaign Cartographer springs to mind as one of the more famous ones.

Randman · Mar 2, 2010

I would search on [ hex based terrain map maker ] so that you will find mapping software for games, but not like in a first-person shooter.

thothguard51 · Mar 2, 2010

Campaign Cartographer is very expensive if you buy the full set. The learning curve with any program will depend on your skill level and understanding of the functions. I found CC did not work well for me.

I eventually designed my own system using MS Excell and lots of people think my maps were professionally designed. Instead of using ink, I use colored pencils to fill the map landscape. Much cheeper and the shading is awesome.

Liosse de Velishaf · Mar 2, 2010

http://www.inkscape.org/download/?lang=en
http://www.mapmaker.com/download.asp

I mostly sketch maps by hand in pencil, so I can't really give guarantees for these, but I've used the second one little, and it seems okay.

Kazel · Mar 2, 2010

FreeMind is free and a decent mind mapping program.

Liosse de Velishaf · Mar 3, 2010

Kazel said:
FreeMind is free and a decent mind mapping program.

Mind-mapping and world-mapping are two very differet things.

Etola · Mar 4, 2010

Thanks everyone, I'm gonna check into these and see what works best for me.

heretic_scribe · Mar 13, 2010

I've used a few programs, including campain cartographer. I finally bought a digital drawing pen, a good parchment jpeg to use as a background, and just drew it myself in Photosphop. (after looking at lots of old maps and fantasy maps in other books for inspiration).

http://shannonthomas.org/sarveki-empire-wallpapers/

Xelebes · Mar 14, 2010

Liosse de Velishaf said:
http://www.inkscape.org/download/?lang=en
http://www.mapmaker.com/download.asp

I mostly sketch maps by hand in pencil, so I can't really give guarantees for these, but I've used the second one little, and it seems okay.

I'm starting to use inkscape - it's really handy if you draw it by hand and pencil and then scan it into the computer to be uploaded into the program where then you can do all the labelling and all the other details with the program.

Rhys Cordelle · Mar 14, 2010

The Heroes of Might and Magic series of games come with map editors which are pretty cool.

Matera the Mad · Mar 14, 2010

You can draw a map in Word. :tongue

Looking for Good (preferably freeware) Map-Making program

Etola

Still looking for stars...

jhmcmullen

Cybernaught

Decker

K_Woods

9 of 10 Overlords prefer Evil Pie!

Randman

Movie Nut

thothguard51

A Gentleman of a refined age...

Liosse de Velishaf

Kazel

Liosse de Velishaf

Etola

Still looking for stars...

heretic_scribe

CIA Roadsign Assassin

Xelebes

Delerium ex Ennui

Rhys Cordelle

Matera the Mad

Bartender, gimme a Linux Mint