What's the best/easiest software for making outdoor encounter scale maps?

I've been trying to find a good map program for making outdoor encounter scale maps.  The mapping software seems to be geared toward either dungeons or large scale maps of geographic areas.  Can anyone recommend a program that will help me build good maps at the scale of encounters for outdoor settings?  My game doesn't deal with dungeons as much and this is a greater need for me.

I know you asked for program, but here is something which mby will help you with dungeon towns etc <a href="http://davesmapper.com/" rel="nofollow">http://davesmapper.com/</a> atm i m as GM/DM i m not using any program. Just putting trees, grass, rocks etc on map layer, and organizing them. It s a little bit hard, and takes time, but it s easiest way if you want modify them. Also i'm using GIMP if i need edit some map or something.

I have heard many good things about Campaign Cartographer, not only for making world maps, but also for encounter maps. However it does require some investment. I am yet to get it myself, but I have pretty much decided to get it in the near future. <a href="http://www.profantasy.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.profantasy.com/</a> Update: I guess it is actually Dungeon Designer which handles the encounter maps.

I don't think I have ever found anything easier than this web based site: You should be able to whip up a map in very little time. <a href="http://pyromancers.com/dungeon-painter-online/" rel="nofollow">http://pyromancers.com/dungeon-painter-online/</a>

and it is free !

Krz, is this a b&amp;w program?

Photoshop/GIMP. &nbsp;These programs have a steep learning curve, but I've managed to learn a lot and the skills are really transferable to things outside of VTT gaming. &nbsp;&nbsp; My workflow: &nbsp; Create your image (autosketch, paper and scan, scan images from books) or Imagine search (google, forums, etc) Photoshop (for roll20 you'll want 70px by 70px images, or multiples of 70x70, 140x140, 280x280) Maptool or Roll20 for arranging tiles.&nbsp; Also, it's really useful to know how to create transparent backgrounds, which will help objects pop out and not just seem like a square, so png &gt; jpeg for objects and tokens.&nbsp;

I just saw this on another post, thought it would be helpful to folks looking at this one: &nbsp; <a href="http://www.spiralgraphics.biz/packs/path/index.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.spiralgraphics.biz/packs/path/index.htm</a>

InterestCurve said: I just saw this on another post, thought it would be helpful to folks looking at this one: &nbsp; <a href="http://www.spiralgraphics.biz/packs/path/index.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.spiralgraphics.biz/packs/path/index.htm</a> These packs are wonderful! &nbsp;I can use them in Warren program or in something like Tiled!

Mark E. said: InterestCurve said: I just saw this on another post, thought it would be helpful to folks looking at this one: &nbsp; <a href="http://www.spiralgraphics.biz/packs/path/index.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.spiralgraphics.biz/packs/path/index.htm</a> I have downloaded Tiled but haven't really figured out how it works.

Maptools isn't bad either for doing tile layouts, except the export process is a pain, if you want to use the maps for roll20. &nbsp;Maptools is also drag and drop, in terms of bringing in tiles.&nbsp;

Warren C. said: Mark E. said: InterestCurve said: I just saw this on another post, thought it would be helpful to folks looking at this one: &nbsp; <a href="http://www.spiralgraphics.biz/packs/path/index.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.spiralgraphics.biz/packs/path/index.htm</a> I have downloaded Tiled but haven't really figured out how it works. I'm having an awful time getting the Python scripts that create tilesets to work, and without the ability to convert graphics into Tiled maps/tilesets, the program is useless.