Any simple mapmaking programs?

[ChaunceyK]

Wondering if there's a simple program available to make maps. I'm talking really simple, like good for a plain vanilla dungeoncrawl.

Remember the old game of Dots, where you take turns drawing a line between the dots, eventually forming squares & then you put your initial in it? I'd like something like that for creating my own simplistic dungeon map. And then maybe some simple furniture/landmarks like: tables, thrones, pools of water, etc.

When I say simple, I really mean simple. Just something I can do on the computer & refer to as a DM before drawing it out for the players...hey, it'll cut my paper use in half, even if it will drive my electric bill up a bit!

[Baldwin Stonewood]

I use dunjinni for a mac (but they have microsoft version too), it is as simple of a program that I have found. it is also cost effective in comparison to other programs.

[Sneaksta]

Here is a link to a random web based generator, and it is free...
Generates random dungeons, and fills them , but I just ignore the stuff it puts in them mostly, and fill it myself.......

http://www.bin.sh/gaming/tools/dungeon.cgi

not bad fer whippin' up a quickie.

.......

[ChaunceyK]

Both look pretty interesting in their own right...not what I had in mind, but both with potential.

Any others out there?

[Sneaksta]

There is graph paper several places online, download one in word format or other simple format, and open it, then use yer MS Paint, or other paint program.. there is usually 1 embedded in most word processor thingies... use the wide brush and black out your map....


really cheap and simple.. especially if you have yer own map idea, and don't want the random effect.


hey, you wanted simple

[ChaunceyK]

Odd as this may sound, I never thought of that...I could even google for clip art. Hmm, now I have 3 options!

[nijineko]

i have two simple options. you can use google docs to put your maps up online, then everyone can see them and have the potential to manipulate them. i know one group who uses it for live mapping even in face-to-face games, in addition to the online games. =D

the other simple option is gametable. very easy to use, but can be made to looks seriously nice with either talent, or effort in tracking down free tiles.

a not-so-simple option, but with lots of features, is maptool. worth checking out, especially if you don't mind a bit of a learning curve.

[Baldwin Stonewood]

I like the graph paper suggestion, sounds easy. think I will give that a try today.

[DragonPrince]

I prefer the graph paper myself. I have drawn many dungeons and world maps on it. The best part is if you have a party member in your group that also graph they can draw the map as they go thru it almost to a "T" to yours. That way if they get lost they can find thier way out if they map it correctly.....

[InvestFDC]

Electronic graph paper is a great idea. I'll be testing that one out very soon.

[Sneaksta]

Here is a town map random Generator
http://www.filefactory.com/file/af19..._generator_zip

2mb file, simple, and free

[yukonhorror]

google docs is a great idea.

being really low-tech (and poor as hell), I would use the spreadsheets (which have a chat feature), make the cells the same height and width, and color the inside of a square to indicate statue/player1/wall/etc...

YOu could have templates premade for area effect spells to just copy and paste onto the spreadsheet.

[MrFrost]

I use graph paper for making dungeons and inside of buildings large enogh to warrent a map but they really need a simple effect way to map making (largescale world type maps) like clip art and cutting and pasting simple stuff rather then using all that mumbo-jumbo of the campaign cartographer types.

[Iceberg]

You should still be able to find copies of Gridsmith online. Basically makes maps to fit 1" squares by default though that's adjustable. Very simple little tile program and can print to scale.

I may still have a copy floating around on an old cd somewhere. Email me at my yahoo account under my contact info if you can't find a copy and i'll see if I can't find my copy.

[outrider]

autorealm is freeware that has mapping capablitities. There is a learning curve for it but it works.