"Kickstarter for mapmaking software" Topic

Dear Terrament

Looks klunky, another bitmapped horror. I've used Corel Draw sine the 1980's and do not only my maps,but brochures, newsletters, even colors and standards for the troops, saddle blankets, and terrain. Far more powerful and completely scaleable.

As you say, there may be people who want this type of map and can't be bothered with the effort to learn one of the free basic graphics packages that will create it. Personally I doubt that they will find learning to use it effectively any easier than stuff that is already out there.

For 'real' maps, not just the pretty picture maps that are illustrated, you need vector software. That takes a good deal more effort to learn and inevitably costs more.

It does look as if this has some vector elements (as do many bitmap graphics applications) so it may be more flexible that the examples make it appear. I wonder if the native format can be saved so that vector elements can be edited or exported ?

I too have used CorelDraw since version 2 and find it a very versatile tool, second only to my spreadsheet in usefulness.

This looks ok, but it seems to be a different company's take on Campaign Cartographer. That program has been around for years and has a huge library of files available.

Here's another vote for Corel Draw. I've used it since the first version many years ago. I love it and find it so much better to use than Adobe Illustrator. I can whip up a map in no time in Corel Draw.

Still, this is a cheap kickstarter, I'm curious to see where they go with it, so I backed it. I have used CC and find it to be so clunky and old fashioned that I'd much rather use Corel Draw.

Dear list

I agree. Corel Draw is not cheap and it takes a learning curve but as you all say it does a great job. After more than fifteen years using it, I have a huge library of stuff I've created and it's so easy to just upen up one of my files and pick out what I want and drop it into the new project.

My latest project is another campaign map in the modern period.

Inkscape is a legitimately free vector graphics program. inkscape.org/en

I don't use it because I have Adobe Illustrator, and thus can't give a first-hand review, but I do know you can't beat the price!

Of course, the problem with a powerful vector graphics program for the casual user is that those types of software don't come with a library of brushes, linetypes, effects, and so forth that are set up out of the box to make the sort of maps you see in the kickstarter.

The problem for me (and presumably many other senior wargamers) is the "learning curve" for any new software.

I use a lot of older software because I know how to use it to do what I want to do. I don't use newer versions of that same software because companies are constantly adding new features (with new learning curves) to said software . . . and I don't need the new features.

I'm comfortable with what I'm familiar with.

-- Jeff

wow windoz software

Guys, the linked tool isn't just map-making software, it's also designed for RPG campaign integration to link notes to specific location so the map, control what part of a map players can see (in a dungeon), etc. It's really a tool for RPG DM's, and isn't just about maps.

-Will

Arkiegamer – CorelDraw comes with a very large library of useful images and image components as well as a large range of fonts and fully customisable effects (both vector and bit-map). Many more can be got free on-line or on a range of forums.

You are possibly used to Mac software that makes you pay for every bit of extra – just like GW.

As for upgrades I'm with you Jeff but sadly when you upgrade your computer OS some older versions simply stop working reliably. My version of CD was VERY old before I bit the bullet and upgraded, now that is getting old but will be used until the same happens again.

So how is this different from Campaign Cartographer, Fractal Mapper, Dunjini, Autorealm, and probably several others?

Like Jeff says, the problem is the learning curve. Who has time for new programs?

I use Powerpoint for maps. It's not perfect, but it's flexible and it works.

…Powerpoint?