Creating Custom Maps

[cjsiam]

So...I've seen maps from FitS, EFD and Desert Rats....
I've seen images of some others....

I'm working out a larger campaign idea, new as I am to this particular series--to these games, I am tragically not so new...

So---I was wondering about some ideas/suggestions/cautions from the collected wisdom here:

1) I'm not as pleased with the colors, darkness, bright orangeness of the maps as presented.....am I alone here?

2) I've seen the Stalingrad image, I saw some google kmz type maps---are these "Image" maps necessary/preferred to drawings?

3) I've seen Hexdraw maps --- is that "acceptable" to the majority of players instead of 2)?

4) I want to be create custom maps---maybe even on the fly--for scenarios and campaigns---has anyone any preferred tools?
  I'm looking at HexDraw....CampaignCartographer3...google/kmz enhancements(which would turn into a library of backgrounds...maybe)...
  and at the top end..Adobe....

5) Is there interest in larger maps--not constrained by the "geomorphic compatibility" issues of the 13x17hex format? Historical scapes

6) if you had a good map, but you needed to print it 22x36 at a Kinkos/printer for $15?$20? would you?

7) Anyone like Bigger hexes?  I've seen 150% as the appropriate size...

Thanks---appreciate any insights....ideas
cj

[cjsiam]

AND SPEAKING OF MAPS....

Has anyone any other maps? images of maps in PDF or JPG or such that are accessible/available?

One idea is to work through and on these and create new combinations and make scenarios/campaigns with 
refined existing maps...

As an aside---I would assume, if we were using existing art---we could not resell them, but only provide them
for free?...I think the Powers-that-be are less receptive to people utilizing their work in new derivative products....

cj

[Shad]

I think you'd be best off starting with importing a hex grid into Inkscape (free svg editor) and going from there.

I don't mind the "classic" look of 80s era maps - look at Ambush's maps for example. The number one priority for me is clarity.

[plloyd1010]

I have no particular position on custom maps. I don't find them to be very useful beyond a specific scenario set, such as with Cassino '44. Attempts to make such maps more universal often result in big sheets, like those of SPI games.

That said, I echo Drew's feelings on priorities. Clarity and definition are the issues with any game map. a reasonable effort in aesthetics is usually adequate, so don't pretty up a map at the expense of clarity.

There have been a couple of custom maps here. Philippe made a Dom Butgenbach map a few years ago. I made a hex-scaled Stalingrad map, mostly as reference, and a bit of snarkyness. (I think I told you about that one over beer.) There were also some for the Brody-Dubno battles over on ConSim.

If you wish to make your own maps, I suggest either Hexdraw or Inkscape, with Pelle Nilsson's hexmap extension. Hexdraw (by default) produces maps looking much like Squad Leader, and was used to create most of the Valor & Victory maps. It has a lot of self contained images to get you started quickly. Inkscape is a full graphics editor, if your drawing skills are up to it, that is the better choice. John Cooper has created some generic terrain tiles, which I have found useful.

[cjsiam]

I have no particular position on custom maps. I don't find them to be very useful beyond a specific scenario set, such as with Cassino '44. Attempts to make such maps more universal often result in big sheets, like those of SPI games.

That said, I echo Drew's feelings on priorities. Clarity and definition are the issues with any game map. a reasonable effort in aesthetics is usually adequate, so don't pretty up a map at the expense of clarity.

There have been a couple of custom maps here. Philippe made a Dom Butgenbach map a few years ago. I made a hex-scaled Stalingrad map, mostly as reference, and a bit of snarkyness. (I think I told you about that one over beer.) There were also some for the Brody-Dubno battles over on ConSim.

If you wish to make your own maps, I suggest either Hexdraw or Inkscape, with Pelle Nilsson's hexmap extension. Hexdraw (by default) produces maps looking much like Squad Leader, and was used to create most of the Valor & Victory maps. It has a lot of self contained images to get you started quickly. Inkscape is a full graphics editor, if your drawing skills are up to it, that is the better choice. John Cooper has created some generic terrain tiles, which I have found useful.

Inkscape looks great for the additional aesthetic....
Hexdraw looks simpler, but cruder final product (assuming you spend the time with Inkscape)

I've got to think about what I want---how flexible it needs to be.
Thanks!
I looked at Hexagrapher....that has some good examples as well...

[Hugmenot]

I used HexDraw to draw all playtest maps I have used. Except for our first project which I drew with color crayons.

$15-20 to print a single 22" x 34" is cheap. Most local printers I know would charge roughly $35.

I like LnL Tactical X-maps so yes to liking bigger maps.

[saracv3]

CJ on #1 you are not alone. For example , it has taken me a bit to warm to the FitS maps. The dark brown background washes out the hex lines. I also wonder why boards 1-8 were changed at all. New boards would have been preferrable to capture the exact terrain of the Brody--Dubno battlefield . Geographically, that batle would be better represented by Afrika Korps 4maps w/ trees.

[cjsiam]

I have no particular position on custom maps. I don't find them to be very useful beyond a specific scenario set, such as with Cassino '44. Attempts to make such maps more universal often result in big sheets, like those of SPI games.

That said, I echo Drew's feelings on priorities. Clarity and definition are the issues with any game map. a reasonable effort in aesthetics is usually adequate, so don't pretty up a map at the expense of clarity.

There have been a couple of custom maps here. Philippe made a Dom Butgenbach map a few years ago. I made a hex-scaled Stalingrad map, mostly as reference, and a bit of snarkyness. (I think I told you about that one over beer.) There were also some for the Brody-Dubno battles over on ConSim.

If you wish to make your own maps, I suggest either Hexdraw or Inkscape, with Pelle Nilsson's hexmap extension. Hexdraw (by default) produces maps looking much like Squad Leader, and was used to create most of the Valor & Victory maps. It has a lot of self contained images to get you started quickly. Inkscape is a full graphics editor, if your drawing skills are up to it, that is the better choice. John Cooper has created some generic terrain tiles, which I have found useful.

Peter...sticking my nose back in time here to get started with maps....you mention Brody-Dubno battles on ConSim....I couldn't find anything?
did you have a time or other link?  I'd be real interested to see those maps ....
cj

[plloyd1010]

Craig, it was 3-4 years ago. The oldest reference I can find is Feb 2018, and that was Matt. I do have the files which were shared on ConSim. Unfortunately, the creator did not leave his name on anything.

[cjsiam]

Craig, it was 3-4 years ago. The oldest reference I can find is Feb 2018, and that was Matt. I do have the files which were shared on ConSim. Unfortunately, the creator did not leave his name on anything.

yea, I found discussion about Brodo?? with Matt....but nothing about maps

Can I get copy of files? want to see what his maps are like....
hmmm...odd we can't see messages before....there are 100Ks of messages numbered...

ok...I'm not completely clueless