GM needs help

I was kinda of wondering where you guys/gals get, find or make your maps?

In a nutshell? Everywhere. . There are SOoooo many fantasy map collections out there that you can nearly always find more or less what you're looking for. Some people use map tiles and put their own dungeon together, room by room. Some people make their own maps from scratch using free software like <a href="http://www.rptools.net/?page=maptool" rel="nofollow">http://www.rptools.net/?page=maptool</a> Some people go nuts with it and make full maps in Photoshop or similar. Others yet, sometimes extract maps out of Adventure Paths or other official books.

And some of us do a bizarre mish-mash combination of all the above! I make my maps in a variety of ways, the most complex being: I create a background layer using a map-making software similar to the one shown above. I'm not sure it's still available so I won't name it right now. This gives me a nice base to work on. Then I import it into Gimp, and touch up the details, including sizing it properly and the like. Then I import it into Roll20 and align it to the grid, if needed. Then I import pieces and bits from Roll20's search engine (things like staircases, bookshelves, firepits, whatever) and place them on the map. Sometimes I'll use 'tiles', but usually this step is only for details... things that could, potentially, be moved/damaged/changed somehow. Then I populate the map with critters for my players to vanquish. They seem to like this part the most. Even when I do extract a map from a .pdf (Pathfinder Society for example) I tend to run it thru Gimp first to get rid of the numbered rooms, visible traps, and suchlike. Gives me a cleaner surface to work on; I then go back and add the traps back on a GM layer, using searched or otherwise imported 'tokens'. Roll20's map-making capabilities are really quite awesome; the only thing that could be improved would be letting us export them (hint hint! (Yes, I know, it's been requested and isn't gonna happen... but a guy can hope!)) -Phnord

I'm currently using Hexographer to make the overview/world map. There's a free version, so you can check it out easily. For interior/dungeon/city/fortress maps, I tend to take a random map generated from Wizardawn or Donjon and then overlay the random map with self-made map tiles. For the tiles, I use Paint.net or Inkscape depending on whether I need a raster or a vector editor.

For large-scale, overland type maps I use Hexographer. The free version is more than most people will ever need. For tactical-scale maps, I usually build them from scratch using items from my art library. There's so much free artwork out there, you should rarely, if ever, have to make something yourself.

I generally make all my maps by hand unless it's an established license like lord of the rings, then i use their maps. For modern espionage, i use a mix of real world maps, and made up maps of my own fictional countries.

Photoshop for anything I want to be high quality, be it world map or the occasional encounter/area map I might use. Once you get used to PS you won't got back, GIMP is the next best choice. The more you get to it you can build templates for yourself and learn the program, speeding up both the process and the quality monumentally. Otherwise, if I need a super fast map, I just draw it.

This one is a good source: <a href="https://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/arch/mw" rel="nofollow">https://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/arch/mw</a> Also if you have a DDI subscription you can get maps from nearly every published module

I make them myself using Inkscape and Gimp.

I mostly use pencil and paper then scan the map and upload it to roll20.

Try Pyromancers.com, you create the map online and then save it to your computer so you don't have to have any software. It's good for making floor plans or outdoor enviroments.