very good indeed!!

I still haven't seriously gotten into things with maps in a while, but my tool of choice is Photoshop -- but mostly because I know the program pretty well.

I've scanned in maps from the old World Builder's Guidebook and I'm working on creating a map using layers.  I loved how the guidebook included the idea of fault lines and weather patterns, but those were really impossible to do by hand.  With layers, they're easy as pie.

What I need is some idea of how to draw realistic island chains.  My world has one continent, with a large chain of islands on the opposite side of the world.  The continent was pretty easy to knock out, but I'm just not satisfied with the island chain I drew.  It looks like some dude drew it out in an hour with little idea of what he was doing.  

Quote from: CyberzombieWorld Builder's Guidebook

was that the 2E book?  awesome reference work by the way, if so.

Quote from: BOZwas that the 2E book?  awesome reference work by the way, if so.

Yep.  About 50% awesomeness and 50% pretty damn good.  Far better than most books manage.  It's the only 2e book I have out on my main gaming book shelf.  

it helps that it really has little or nothing to do with rules mechanics, so it's (IIRC) 90%+ useful to any edition - or fantasy game, for that matter.

there wouldnt be a modern era or sci fi version would there?

not that i know of...

Quote from: Harry JoyVery nice examples you've given. I am going to consider investing in that. And believe me, $50 bucks is an investment for me. After your first post, I gave the idea a bye, but I am considering it now.

Believe me, I can relate.  

I picked up the $80 Plus version that comes with the "design elements" (all the mountains, trees, compass roses and sea monsters to make it pretty) and hundreds of original historical maps.  It was a very difficult decision, as that's a pretty big investment for us too.  I can honestly say that it was some of the best money I've ever spent on RPG material, and so far it's been worth every penny.

Map Maker Plus is very intriguing. I may have to get that one.

Quote from: Reefer Madnessthere wouldnt be a modern era or sci fi version would there?

Of MapMaker?  I don't think so.  If there was, I'd get it in a heartbeat.

What about post apocolyptic?  I'm doing a campaign of that sorts right now and not having to constantly draw out my surroundings would be great.

Quote from: eCK0What about post apocolyptic?  I'm doing a campaign of that sorts right now and not having to constantly draw out my surroundings would be great.

Just draw a desert.

Well, it's actually a little more complex than that.  This world has a cloud city for the rich.  In the end my may just have to end up doing it all from scratch.

A very simple alternative is HexMapper, just dropping down icons on hex paper.  Comes out looking like Known World maps.
http://home.paonline.com/zaikoski/ak/TOOLS.HTM

I've played around a bit with AutoRealm.  It has layers, fractal lines, and some other features.  I never got very good at it as it does have a learning curve.
http://www.gryc.ws/autorealm.htm

If you're looking to make Tile based maps (dungeons, building interiors, starship deckplans, etc) then I would suggest the Free Dungeonforge

I made this Restuarant...


And this Starship...


I would have a dungeon but haven't played fantasy in awhile