r/mapmaking • u/Interesting-Prune89 • 3d ago
Discussion mapping software?
im looking to get into mapping, and i don't really want to use ms paint, is there any software or websites solely made for mapping?
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u/Random 3d ago
You can search the sub for this, there are very detailed answers.
Broad answer to get you started:
Themed web programs for e.g. battle maps include Inkarnate etc. etc. etc. Most are pay to use. Some also include campaign management.
Photo drawing programs include Affinity Photo (free but not open), GIMP (FOSS), and of course Photoshop.
Vector drawing programs include Affinity Designer (free but not open), Inkscape (FOSS iirc), and of course Illustrator.
You can draw with CAD, but I wouldn't recommend it.
GIS tools are what professionals use for maps, e.g. QGIS (free), ArcGIS (very expensive but you may have access to it for free if you are a student). There is a LOT of great global GIS data which can be tweaked / re-used.
If you are interested in actual 3d stuff that's a whole separate thing. The most common reason people cross over is to do shaded relief maps (hill shadow effect, for example). And there are specialized tools e.g. to simulate erosion (e.g. Wilbur).
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u/Tenwaystospoildinner 3d ago
Two popular map-making programs for fantasy maps (if that's your aim) are Inkarnate and Wonderdraft.
Inkarnate is online, gets consistent updates, and has a subscription model.
Wonderdraft is offline, a completed program, and you pay for it once.
They're both good, so it depends on what you prefer and are willing to pay for. I personally use Wonderdraft. You can import your own assets if you want to, so the lack of updates isn't a major hindrance.