Maps

[JimmyAgent007]

Anyone have their favorite mapping software? Maybe something free? I'd like to know where to find something that can make natural looking coastlines without having to do each line individually. I need something, or several things, for making maps. Sometimes I want to do a whole world, or just a country.

[ImIronWolf]

I have had a little play around with this web-based one. It has a free version but I have not explored t much yet. It shows promise, though so hope it helps.

https://inkarnate.com/

[Iron Dragon]

Apparently the TOU for Inkarnate says they own anything you make with their app, so if you're concerned about the rights to your intellectual property, probably not a good idea to use that one.

There are these:

https://www.wonderdraft.net/ (Paid. Very similar style to Inkarnate but no TOU nastiness)
https://azgaar.github.io/Fantasy-Map-Generator/ (Free. Bit of a learning curve but some really excellent options.)
https://donjon.bin.sh/ (Free. Graphics are lacklustre but the details in the generator are pretty neat. Sometimes the server is not available; just try later.)

Also, if you're going to use a program like Wonderdraft, check here for additional art assets that can be used in it: https://www.cartographyassets.com/

[JimmyAgent007]

Thanks, I actually found Wonderdraft after I posted and I think I am going to use it. Good to know about the TOU though. The raise/lower terrain tool makes excellent natural irregular shorelines.

I will check out those free assets though. Thanks again!

[Ary]

Originally posted by JimmyAgent007:

Thanks, I actually found Wonderdraft after I posted and I think I am going to use it. Good to know about the TOU though. The raise/lower terrain tool makes excellent natural irregular shorelines.

I will check out those free assets though. Thanks again!

Was about so say wondercraft haha (https://www.wonderdraft.net/)
Best of them all imo...

Originally posted by IronWolf82:

I have had a little play around with this web-based one. It has a free version but I have not explored t much yet. It shows promise, though so hope it helps.

https://inkarnate.com/

did inkarnate change their policy by now or is everything you design on their site or with their program still their property btw?

[Iron Dragon]

Originally posted by Ary:

did inkarnate change their policy by now or is everything you design on their site or with their program still their property btw?

You can check the Inkarnate terms of use here: https://inkarnate.com/terms

The document notes it was last updated in June 2019 (at the time of this writing) and it looks like they've amended their stance about their rights to user-created content but they still want royalty-free and perpetual rights to anything you post on their website.

My personal preference is still Wonderdraft over Inkarnate.

[serdra1988]

I'm using retail Campaign Cartographer 3+
https://www.profantasy.com/

It's difficult to learn it but it is what suits me. Also if you are looking for some free to use it is not for you.

But you could check it.

[Ary]

Originally posted by Iron Dragon:

Originally posted by Ary:

did inkarnate change their policy by now or is everything you design on their site or with their program still their property btw?

they still want royalty-free and perpetual rights to anything you post on their website.

okay thx

Originally posted by Iron Dragon:

My personal preference is still Wonderdraft over Inkarnate.

Absolutely! I'm using Wonderdraft for different kinds of maps and its works like a charm! Way more indepth from what i saw back when on inkarnate (they improved in assets from what i heared/saw but its still to clunky for me - even if i put their - eeeeh - policy beside for a moment.)

Originally posted by serdra1988:

I'm using retail Campaign Cartographer 3+
https://www.profantasy.com/

can second that too. Not using it personally bc i found the difficulty a bit offputting but it is a "classic" for mapmaking. Really not everyones taste, but still a widely acclaimed software

[Barbe-bleue]

A few months ago, I bought https://store.steampowered.com/app/630900/Illwinters_Floorplan_Generator/

I just skim through this software (about 1 hour). I'm not sure it's suitable for a world map. On the other hand, it can make plans of cities, buildings, small areas ... I plan to test it a little more, but I still have other tasks to do!