Hex Map Programs - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Hex Map Programs

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
zombiegleemax
May 13, 2004 23:03:36 Greetings.

I'm a C.S. major at a four-year university at the moment. As part of a class on user interface design, I decided to create a mapping program specifically for hex-based maps.

I've always liked hex-based maps, even though they're considered "archaic" in some ways. Probably because it breaks map information down into a more abstract form that's easier to game with, but less artistic, like a Tolkien map. Regardless, mapping programs that can do hexes aren't easy to find. CC2 allows you to do hexes, but only cosmetically, and the only other program I'm aware of is Grid, which is written for PC-DOS. My version will be in C# on a Windows 98/ME/XP platform.

Some of you may have viewed the maps I've done, all of them can be found at Thibalt Sarlat's website at http://www.mystara.addr.com/index.html under my other pseudonym, "IronWolf". I did all of the Savage Coast maps and I've done maps of Karameikos, Glantri, and Ylaruam, although the last one hasn't been posted. I drew all of them by hand using Paint and some other 3rd party paint programs. I got my technique down right, but I'd rather write a program so anybody can do it.

Anyway, the class is focusing more on the interface than the implementation, so I don't actually have to complete the program in class to score full marks. However, I would like to finish it, simply because I don't like leaving things undone. I figure I'll try and make it my summer project to complete it, and then maintain a website for it so people can download it.

But, I was wondering what the general consensus of the Mystara guys was on the subject. Is such a program needed or wanted? I'll probably finish it regardless, but a little encouragement can make some difference.

Adamantyr
#2
Cthulhudrew
May 13, 2004 23:18:11 Hey, long time no see!

Count me in as one of the "definitely interested". Even though I've got a map system of my own (using the paint program), I've never been completely satisfied with it, and I've always loved your maps. They're so clean, and the colors are spot on (I always felt mine were too bright). I've wanted to ask you about your program for a long time now, but I thought you'd vanished into the ethersphere.

Good to see you around here. Ever work any more on the Mystara 2000 idea you and I tossed around somewhat a long time ago?
#3
zombiegleemax
May 13, 2004 23:39:48
Originally posted by Cthulhudrew
Hey, long time no see!

Likewise! Nice to see you again, Andrew.

Count me in as one of the "definitely interested". Even though I've got a map system of my own (using the paint program), I've never been completely satisfied with it, and I've always loved your maps. They're so clean, and the colors are spot on (I always felt mine were too bright). I've wanted to ask you about your program for a long time now, but I thought you'd vanished into the ethersphere.

Nah, just been busy. I tested with a lot of color ranges to get the ones I wanted. I still haven't found a satisfactory medium/deep water tone I like.

Good to see you around here. Ever work any more on the Mystara 2000 idea you and I tossed around somewhat a long time ago?

Not much. The rest of the Mystara group was pretty lukewarm on the idea, and I lost interest. I tried running "Night's Dark Terror" in 3.0 last summer, but we ground down because one of my players kept criticizing the module linearity and he wrecked the game.

Adamantyr
#4
zombiegleemax
May 14, 2004 7:53:44 I would be very interested in your program as I use downloaded versions of the maps you make already. I originally did my maps by hand with colored pencils, but that is quite costly to try and map the entire Mystara.
#5
zombiegleemax
May 15, 2004 10:25:24
Originally posted by tjedge1
I would be very interested in your program as I use downloaded versions of the maps you make already. I originally did my maps by hand with colored pencils, but that is quite costly to try and map the entire Mystara.

Gosh, thanks. I'm glad people are finding them useful.

I just got hex plotting implemented today. Woo hoo! Now I have to figure out how to erase, which is a bit trickier... (Hex overlay will be possible so you can have cities and cliffs in any other form of terrain. A toggle switch between overlay and overwrite hex stamping is ideal.)

Adamantyr
#6
spellweaver
May 18, 2004 8:28:27
Originally posted by Adamantyr
I figure I'll try and make it my summer project to complete it, and then maintain a website for it so people can download it.

Is such a program needed or wanted?

YOU BET !! I have been looking for such a (freeware) programe for a long time!!

That would be sooooo cool.

Jesper

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 zombiegleemax May 13, 2004 23:03:36	Greetings. I'm a C.S. major at a four-year university at the moment. As part of a class on user interface design, I decided to create a mapping program specifically for hex-based maps. I've always liked hex-based maps, even though they're considered "archaic" in some ways. Probably because it breaks map information down into a more abstract form that's easier to game with, but less artistic, like a Tolkien map. Regardless, mapping programs that can do hexes aren't easy to find. CC2 allows you to do hexes, but only cosmetically, and the only other program I'm aware of is Grid, which is written for PC-DOS. My version will be in C# on a Windows 98/ME/XP platform. Some of you may have viewed the maps I've done, all of them can be found at Thibalt Sarlat's website at http://www.mystara.addr.com/index.html under my other pseudonym, "IronWolf". I did all of the Savage Coast maps and I've done maps of Karameikos, Glantri, and Ylaruam, although the last one hasn't been posted. I drew all of them by hand using Paint and some other 3rd party paint programs. I got my technique down right, but I'd rather write a program so anybody can do it. Anyway, the class is focusing more on the interface than the implementation, so I don't actually have to complete the program in class to score full marks. However, I would like to finish it, simply because I don't like leaving things undone. I figure I'll try and make it my summer project to complete it, and then maintain a website for it so people can download it. But, I was wondering what the general consensus of the Mystara guys was on the subject. Is such a program needed or wanted? I'll probably finish it regardless, but a little encouragement can make some difference. Adamantyr
#2 Cthulhudrew May 13, 2004 23:18:11	Hey, long time no see! Count me in as one of the "definitely interested". Even though I've got a map system of my own (using the paint program), I've never been completely satisfied with it, and I've always loved your maps. They're so clean, and the colors are spot on (I always felt mine were too bright). I've wanted to ask you about your program for a long time now, but I thought you'd vanished into the ethersphere. Good to see you around here. Ever work any more on the Mystara 2000 idea you and I tossed around somewhat a long time ago?
#3 zombiegleemax May 13, 2004 23:39:48	Originally posted by Cthulhudrew Hey, long time no see! Likewise! Nice to see you again, Andrew. Count me in as one of the "definitely interested". Even though I've got a map system of my own (using the paint program), I've never been completely satisfied with it, and I've always loved your maps. They're so clean, and the colors are spot on (I always felt mine were too bright). I've wanted to ask you about your program for a long time now, but I thought you'd vanished into the ethersphere. Nah, just been busy. I tested with a lot of color ranges to get the ones I wanted. I still haven't found a satisfactory medium/deep water tone I like. Good to see you around here. Ever work any more on the Mystara 2000 idea you and I tossed around somewhat a long time ago? Not much. The rest of the Mystara group was pretty lukewarm on the idea, and I lost interest. I tried running "Night's Dark Terror" in 3.0 last summer, but we ground down because one of my players kept criticizing the module linearity and he wrecked the game. Adamantyr
#4 zombiegleemax May 14, 2004 7:53:44	I would be very interested in your program as I use downloaded versions of the maps you make already. I originally did my maps by hand with colored pencils, but that is quite costly to try and map the entire Mystara.
#5 zombiegleemax May 15, 2004 10:25:24	Originally posted by tjedge1 I would be very interested in your program as I use downloaded versions of the maps you make already. I originally did my maps by hand with colored pencils, but that is quite costly to try and map the entire Mystara. Gosh, thanks. I'm glad people are finding them useful. I just got hex plotting implemented today. Woo hoo! Now I have to figure out how to erase, which is a bit trickier... (Hex overlay will be possible so you can have cities and cliffs in any other form of terrain. A toggle switch between overlay and overwrite hex stamping is ideal.) Adamantyr
#6 spellweaver May 18, 2004 8:28:27	Originally posted by Adamantyr I figure I'll try and make it my summer project to complete it, and then maintain a website for it so people can download it. Is such a program needed or wanted? YOU BET !! I have been looking for such a (freeware) programe for a long time!! That would be sooooo cool. Jesper