Map Making Software Options

[jpstodwftexas]

I admit it takes me awhile to map because I never plan out the layouts first. I just think on it as I go.
I always do a 24x36 map incase I ever want to print it out in the future.
the ease to save at a specifuc dpi is a plus. As is simply adding a grid or having no grid

[tonnichiwa]

While CC3+ does have some very old vector artwork that I simply cannot stand, the software is a full vector graphics program that has had photoshop effects added.They have a full range of many more modern art styles and a lot of good looking art. The reason you never see anyone doing anything with those photoshop effects is usually because most people buy CC3+ because they are not artists in the first place, but still want to make cool maps, thus they don't really know how to use blend modes to begin with.

That being said, I have to completely disagree with CC3+ and DD3 as being old programs. While I admit that CC3 is old now, CC3+ is not. It is quite a good map making program as I have shown in my thread on this site about some of the maps I have made with it. I have even used the program to draw a small mountain range using nothing but freehand and it came out looking splendid. I can also draw Isometric buildings, and whole cities in many different styles if I wish to, as well as dungeons and top down cities, space stuff with Cosmographer 3, etc. If you want to see what CC3 can do as far as more modern looking maps, go to the Cartographer's Guild and look up Merelan City. It is a city made by the forum user named Mouse. That city was made using the sheet effects in CC3+ by someone who bought the program and IS an artist. She can make this software sing like a rock star, putting to rest any claims of it not being up to date.

[jpstodwftexas]

While CC3+ does have some very old vector artwork that I simply cannot stand, the software is a full vector graphics program that has had photoshop effects added.They have a full range of many more modern art styles and a lot of good looking art. The reason you never see anyone doing anything with those photoshop effects is usually because most people buy CC3+ because they are not artists in the first place, but still want to make cool maps, thus they don't really know how to use blend modes to begin with.

That being said, I have to completely disagree with CC3+ and DD3 as being old programs. While I admit that CC3 is old now, CC3+ is not. It is quite a good map making program as I have shown in my thread on this site about some of the maps I have made with it. I have even used the program to draw a small mountain range using nothing but freehand and it came out looking splendid. I can also draw Isometric buildings, and whole cities in many different styles if I wish to, as well as dungeons and top down cities, space stuff with Cosmographer 3, etc. If you want to see what CC3 can do as far as more modern looking maps, go to the Cartographer's Guild and look up Merelan City. It is a city made by the forum user named Mouse. That city was made using the sheet effects in CC3+ by someone who bought the program and IS an artist. She can make this software sing like a rock star, putting to rest any claims of it not being up to date.

I have been a Campaign Cartographer since it was just an Overland Mapper....I have been through all incaranations of CC->CC2->CCPro->CC3->CC3+
plus the Add Ons City Designer, Dungeon Designer

So true...Never been an Artist. I have always relied upon Artists to creat the Artwork for me.
Artist will always have an Edge over us "Stampers". They can make unique artwork as described in Moduals and Stories. I just have to find a close representation.

I am a regular on the Cartographer's Guild also. And "Mouse" does rock the House.

[Trenloe]

These are a couple of the maps I did.
Attachment 17755Attachment 17756

Let me know what you think.

Very cool. Thanks for sharing. I really like the cavern wall effects on the second map.

[Trenloe]

here is one of my maps
Attachment 17758

Very, very nice. Thanks for sharing.

<stolen for my ever increasing map collection>

[jpstodwftexas]

Very, very nice. Thanks for sharing.

<stolen for my ever increasing map collection>

Would you Like the Second Floor and the Basement also? Forgot to mention the VTT Versions are 72 DPI
All my Maps are 1"=5'
Or a Gridded Version or Even a 300 DPI Version suitable for printing..
I will have several more Buildings ready soon for the Anvil House Complex.

[jpstodwftexas]

Sorry Double posted

[Trenloe]

Would you Like the Second Floor and the Basement also?

That would be fantastic!

I usually work with between 50 and 100 pixels per 5' square, so 72dpi is fine with me.

Thanks so much.

[jpstodwftexas]

Seems the forums don't like my Pictures so you can find them here.https://jpstodwftexas.deviantart.com/

[jpstodwftexas]

Ahh Forget it..I tried even linking the picture by URL and it didn't work...just get them off my Deviantart page