Since the last discussion about maps was over three years ago, I thought I'd tap the creative group mind here for new ideas, leads, suggestions, techniques, and alternatives. (And perhaps the occasional re-hash since sometimes the classics are the way to go.)

I'm working on a wargame project* (a freebie or low cost print on demand project) and I need to make a variety of hex maps at the one kilometer scale. Because I may give away or sell these maps, I need some level of creative control or licensing from the software that allows me to use the maps that I make without serious restriction.

I have some passing expertise with Paintshop Pro, low end graphical tools, fractal map builders, and the like. But, I'm not too keen on building from scratch since I'm not an artist. I do have some 3D skills and tools, but they're not geared to that overhead view that's essential for this kind of map making. I do have a humble hobby budget, so commercial titles are a possibility.

What works for you all?
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TAZ

* For those that are curious, it's the Frozen Thunder project.

Links from the last thread I need to research...
http://www.thegriddle.net/mapper/
http://www.cartographersguild.com/
http://www.everlandmaps.com/index.htm
http://www.dundjinni.com/
http://www.inkscape.org/
http://clipart.nicubunu.ro/?gallery=rpg_map
http://www.nbos.com/ (Fractal Mapper)

Products to do homework on..
Campaign Cartographer 2
MapTools
Hexographer

Of course, if anyone has comments on usability on any of these, it would be appreciated.
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TAZ

Some research...

Very cool random geomorphic dungeon creator.
Neat, but not what I was looking for.
http://www.thegriddle.net/mapper/
Redirects to this URL...
http://davesmapper.com/

This is a forum and display case for some very nice maps.
Will require much more time to read through the fourm.
http://www.cartographersguild.com/

Dead link.
http://www.everlandmaps.com/index.htm

Pretty looking outdoor maps at a tactical scale.
Would need a hex overlay from the look of it.
Product is $39.95 with additional art packs available.
(Links to online store are broken.)
http://www.dundjinni.com/

Free graphical editor if you want to do things from scratch.
Has support for SVG (scalable vector graphics.) Would be
handy with the next site.
http://www.inkscape.org/

A nice assortment of isometic drawings with a simple line
art style (some colored.) More RPG than wargame oriented.
http://clipart.nicubunu.ro/?gallery=rpg_map

This looks like a very capable piece of software with a lot of
the randomization, customizability, and hex grid features that
I would need. A commercial product at $34.95 for the download
version. Need to ask them what the licensing/map creation
rights are.
http://www.nbos.com/ (Fractal Mapper)

[Edit] Sweet! Fractal mapper has a pretty nice publishing policy
for the maps you make.
http://www.nbos.com/nox/wiki.php?topic=publishingpolicy

Pending Homework...

Campaign Cartographer 2
MapTools
Hexographer
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TAZ

I used and loved Dundjinni for a while but then ran into an issue where the version of java I needed to run something else broke Dundjinni. Lots of other people had the same issue and the company kept saying that a fix was coming soon. Since the download/update page says it has not been updated since 2008, I'm thinking it never happened.

Also, I seem to remember hearing something about them getting bought out by the company that made Campaign Cartographer. They were up to version CC3 that last time I checked.

Thanks for the info!

More stuff...

MappingBoard really looks like it was made for my interests. Free, overhead views, drawing styles for the terrain features that I'm interested in. Will have to give it a test drive tonight.
http://map.tylermade.co.uk/
http://map.tylermade.co.uk/default.aspx?id=3 (His resources page)

Stuff to check out...
Racing Spider Games old blog site (not the new Beards one.)
http://racingspidergames.wordpress.com/
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TAZ

Zircher - hit me up via PM. I might be able to swing you a deal on some custom stuff.

TAZ, I see that Campaign Cartographer is still on your todo list as of March.

I've been meaning to map out my 4e campaign setting and that was #1 on my list. I'll pull the trigger and give you my thoughts later this week.

Please do, I got side tracked on the mapping part of the project since I got tasked to learn two other computer languages besides the one that I started reading up on. My brain is full of spaghetti code right now.
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TAZ

[added some missing letters, derp]

Hexographer by Inkwell Ideas should suit your needs well. The graphics are all free to use for commercial purposes, it's extremely easy to learn, powerful, runs on all major operating systems, and is admirably suited for the type of maps you are discussing. (I'm not just touting it because I helped develop the graphics; it really is exceptional) I'll be demonstrating it at Gencon again this year.

Even the demo version is pretty robust and full featured.

Aye, I played around with Hexographer as part of the Dawn of Worlds play by post that we did. So, I have some basic knowledge. Really easy to get into with the default graphics. How much work is it to create your own icon set for use with the Pro version?

If I was to set a bar, I'd love to find a set of tools for making FASA quality maps ala BTech, but I get the sneaky suspicion that would actually require artistic talent.
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TAZ