NaNoWriMo 2019: Day 6--World Maps

[agdhani.livejournal.com]

Day 6 Word Count Target: 10,002

Who doesn't like to draw maps?

Maps aren't a necessity of course, but since things like terrain, bodies of water, and elevation can influence cultural development and the placement of cities and farmland, as well as what sort of animals might be in the region, where kingdom boundaries might be, and weather patterns, visualizing your world can be very helpful. Using modern maps from google maps or other such sources, flipping the images, or finding hand-drawn maps from historical sources can work too, but for those up to the challenge, and who are not handy enough to take pen to paper and freestyle a map themselves, these resources can be helpful (and addictive to play with!)

https://rollforfantasy.com/tools/map-creator.php
https://azgaar.github.io/Fantasy-Map-Generator/
https://inkarnate.com/
(I love inkarnate!)

I've also just discovered a feature on google to make maps. I haven't played much with it yet, but it might be simple enough to create basic maps at least.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/
Some basic instructions: Draw a line or shape
1. On your computer, sign in to My Maps.
2. Open or create a map. Maps have the following size limits:
• Up to 10,000 lines, shapes, or places
• Up to 50,000 total points (in lines and shapes)
• Up to 20,000 data table cells
3. Click Draw a line Add line or shape.
4. Select a layer and click where to start drawing. A layer can have 2,000 lines, shapes or places.
5. Click each corner or bend of your line or shape. To move the map, click and hold the mouse.
6. When you’re finished drawing, double-click or complete the shape.
7. Give your line or shape a name.
8. When you’re done, click Save.

Anyone else have a favorite mapmaking tool or method? Or maps they'd like to share?

Comments

[cmk418]

We had a little mapmaking activity during the NaNo kickoff for our region. I drew something that looked a bit like a long 4-toed foot and then like something completely obscene (based on where a certain body of water was placed), so then I had to keep adding to it for it to become less obscene.

Long story short, this is why I don't write a lot of fantasy. :)

[agdhani.livejournal.com]

I love making maps; I did one for my book...and have had to expand it 3 times now to complete the story's world.
It's a good 'time waster' too when I'm procrastinating actual words ;)