Post by The Candy Lane on Oct 2, 2014 14:15:32 GMT -5
I'm throwing together a thread of useful links for world and map building. Most are free but there are some that cost money.
Free:
www.gimp.org/ Known as the 'free photoshop,' Gimp is useful for changing and creating maps of worlds or regions.
donjon.bin.sh/ - Random generator of worlds, regions, cities, characters and more. There are a few settings like sea levels, but for the most part there aren't many customizeable features. This is my favourite generator. I often touch up the pictures using GIMP.
megacosm.morgajel.net/ - Generates everything from history to weather and flags, as well as cities, nations, continents, and worlds. Doesn't provide maps from what I can tell
Forums where worlds are shared and discussed, good for learning about world building:
www.cartographersguild.com/forum.php#mapping-resources
www.reddit.com/r/worldbuilding/wiki/reading_list
www.terrachronica.com/
www.reddit.com/r/mapmaking
www.reddit.com/r/worldbuilding
Cost:
secure.profantasy.com/products/cc3.asp Campaign Cartogropher, haven't used it but heard good reviews. Look into it before you buy it.
www.citiesinmotion2.com/ Cities in Motion 2 is available on Steam. "It focuses more on individual cities, but by scaling everything down, you can create your archipelagos in stunning detail. You can even add a public transport system."
There's always the old Hand drawn method, and my personal favourite is the 'spilt coffee' method. Splash some coffee or tea onto paper, then make the changes you want either by hand or on your computer. Can use that as your city layout, land, or water mass etc.
I know there's more stuff out there. If you know of a good resource, please share below and I'll add it to the list.
Free:
www.gimp.org/ Known as the 'free photoshop,' Gimp is useful for changing and creating maps of worlds or regions.
donjon.bin.sh/ - Random generator of worlds, regions, cities, characters and more. There are a few settings like sea levels, but for the most part there aren't many customizeable features. This is my favourite generator. I often touch up the pictures using GIMP.
megacosm.morgajel.net/ - Generates everything from history to weather and flags, as well as cities, nations, continents, and worlds. Doesn't provide maps from what I can tell
Forums where worlds are shared and discussed, good for learning about world building:
www.cartographersguild.com/forum.php#mapping-resources
www.reddit.com/r/worldbuilding/wiki/reading_list
www.terrachronica.com/
www.reddit.com/r/mapmaking
www.reddit.com/r/worldbuilding
Cost:
secure.profantasy.com/products/cc3.asp Campaign Cartogropher, haven't used it but heard good reviews. Look into it before you buy it.
www.citiesinmotion2.com/ Cities in Motion 2 is available on Steam. "It focuses more on individual cities, but by scaling everything down, you can create your archipelagos in stunning detail. You can even add a public transport system."
There's always the old Hand drawn method, and my personal favourite is the 'spilt coffee' method. Splash some coffee or tea onto paper, then make the changes you want either by hand or on your computer. Can use that as your city layout, land, or water mass etc.
I know there's more stuff out there. If you know of a good resource, please share below and I'll add it to the list.