How To Draw A Map For Your Novel Story Book

I've been seeing many facebook inquiries on this. And I too, wanted to know.

So I looked it up.

Behold! My findings!

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Make a free map with Mipui map making generator software.

HOW TO DRAW A MAP 

 

Will continue updating this list as needed. Updated March 9, 2022.

How to actually draw a map for dummies 

Before I continue, it's important to state that I do not receive any compensation at this time for any listings on this blogpost. I merely find the information, and share it with the world.

Please note: It's your personal responsibility to evaluate any softwares you decide to use, so exercise caution, and run a malware scan and anti-virus scan on each software you choose to download to your computer or device.

In case you're a complete novice, and you've never made a map before, and find yourself asking "Where do I even begin?" Well buddy, have I got tips for you! 

1. How to draw a map
2. Fantasy Map - Making for the Artistically Challenged
3. Grid worldbuilding (scroll down halfway)
4. I am also including this information so you can learn many of the nuances of creating a map.

Keep in mind that much of the software outlined below is made for PC (Windows) computers only, unless it clearly states available for Mac (read all documentation & tabs on these websites). If it has an app version available, I'll make a note of it. 

I've included this comprehensive list of map making software for your research. 

Who would need this?

Some writers like me, who need to see things visually. Some writers who need a frame of reference they can tack up on a bulletin board. Story tellers. TV show writers. Film makers who map out story boards. Grandmothers who tell their grandchildren stories and want to demonstrate visual cues. You get the idea.

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Map made in Hexographer free map making software, tiled map software

 

 

 

REAL-WORLD MAP MAKING SOFTWARE

 Some free, some not.

1. Overview - Maps (us.gov)
2. The National Map
3. Hazards Data Distribution System (HDDS) Explorer
4. How far did I run? - Create running maps with On The Go Map
5. Global Mapper 20
6. GeoServer (for sharing geospatial data)
7. GRASS GIS (for sharing geospatial data)
8. World Machine (create topographical maps)
9. ARCGIS (mapping & geospatial analytics) 
10. G.Projector (global map projector)

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Map made in Hexographer free map making software, tiled map software

 

 

 

PREMIUM MAP MAKING SOFTWARE

In USD currency:

1. $5.00/mo ; $25/yr. - Inkarnate Pro 
2. $14.99 - Dungeon Painter Studio (on Steam)
3. ? (see licenses) - Dungeon Builder (Mac, PC, Linux)
   
4. $39.95+ - ProFantasy Software (various types)
5. $79.95+ - Inkwell Complete Bundle
6. $31.95+ - Worldographer – Download (Hexographer 2)
7. $31.95 - Dungeonographer Pro Version
8. $34.95 - AstroSynthesis 3.0 - mapping outerspace colonies
9. $34.95 - Fractal Mapper 8.0 
10. $2.95+ - RPG Now (ready-made printable maps)
11. $2.95+ - Paizo maps (ready-made printable maps)
12. $19.00 - Map Generator (a Photoshop action)
    
13. $2.99+ - Worldbuilding School
14. $149./yr; $399./forever - MapDiva (Mac only) 
15. $4.90/mo; $49.90/yr - Dungeonfog 
16. $39.95 (free demo) - Dundjinni
17. $29.00 - Lunar Cell Bundle (make surfaced planets & such; Mac & PC)
18. $29.00 - Glitterato (make outerspace, stars, nebulas) 
19. $59.00 - Space Bundle 
20. $29.00 - Solar Cell

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Tiamat free map making software. No need to download.

FREE MAP MAKING SOFTWARE

1. Tiamat 
2. Deepknight 
3. Mipui 
4. Wonderdraft (Freemium & Premium)
5. Inkarnate (Freemium & Premium) Please note: ONLY exists online on the cloud, no software to download
   
6. Hextml 
7. Gridmapper
8. Dungeon Sketch
9. RPG Editor
10. DJ's Dungeon Mapper (pick a map from the list, click Edit, Save Map at bottom)
    
11. Inkarnate Pro (Free plan avail. with signup) 
12. Worldspinner
13. MapForge (Mac, PC)
14. AutoRealm - Vector based drawing software designed for RPGs
15. Floor Plan Creator (Exporting image files is $4.00; Android only) 
16. Fantastic Maps - Free Maps 
17. RPTool (Map Tool, Token Tool, Init Tool, Char Tool, Dice Tool)
18. Wilbur (Fracterra) 
19. Dungeonfog
20. It's Full Of Stars (PC only)
    
21. RPG Maker VX Ace Lite
22. Ye Old Map Maker (for tablet too)
23. Skywyre (for tablet too)
24. Planet Genesis (makes models of planets and landscapes)
25. Terraform 
26. Texture Maker (a tile map editor; makes textured tiles for use in map softwares) 
27. Tiled (Mac, PC, Linux)
    
28. RPTools
29. ANA Map 
30. Greenfish Relief Map Generator
31. Hexographer | Free Version (software has bugs, no more updates avail. for it; get Worldographer instead)
32. Worldographer (basically Hexographer2; Mac & PC)
33. Pyromancers - Dungeon maps for RPG. Create maps online, download as PDF and PNG.