Top-down maps

the_3l3phant · October 2015

I don't know if I'm using the wrong search terms or what but I'm trying to get some ideas/suggestions/recommendations on options for drawing maps top-down. I have an idea for a layout I'd like to map out, but in order to get it right it really needs to be from straight above. Unless I'm missing it, neither CC3 nor CC3+ have icons for that sort of thing. Am I wrong? Is there a particular annual that might be able to help?

EDIT: I think I found an option - The Dec.'08 annual looks to have what I'm looking to do. Unfortunately there's not much else in that annual that's of use. I think I need to keep looking. So, any suggestions are still welcome

[Deleted User] · October 2015

13th Age annual (CA69, Annual no 6); or Satellite Maps (CA62, Annual No 6); Myrr Dominion (CA75, Annual no 7); Shaded Relief (CA24, Annual No 2). Hope this is helpful - I like the 13th Age Annual best for top down symbols, but use different bitmaps for the backgrounds. Let's know how you get on, and post a sample.

JimP · October 2015

I'm not sure I understand. Almost all of the symbols, and maps, for CC3 are from above. One Annual Issue template makes maps at a viewing angle instead of overhead.

Blackadder23 · October 2015

I think he means directly from above, like a bird's eye view. The mountain and tree symbols in most styles tend to be side views.

Vintyri · October 2015

It appears that the_3l3phant is referring to overland map symbols. The CC3/CC3+ overland symbols tend to be isometric, not top-down.

[Deleted User] · October 2015

All the one's in my post are bird's eye, top-down ones, not side on.

the_3l3phant · October 2015

Blackadder23 & Vintyri - That's exactly it.

Thanks qwalker!

Blackadder23 · October 2015

Those are all good styles. I probably like the 13th Age style best of the ones on that list.

Of course I actually prefer isometric symbols myself... but to each his own...

the_3l3phant · October 2015

So do I, but for what I'm hoping to do I need to (at least initially) do it top-down. I'm really very new to map-making so I need to visualize it top-down first and then figure out how to do it in a more "3D" sort of way.

[Deleted User] · October 2015

I Like bird's eye for world maps and large regional maps (eg continents, and side on for smaller regional and local maps

the_3l3phant · October 2015

This is for a large continent map and yeah, I think it'll be easier to layout and then get the group's feedback on how to proceed. Next payday I'll be picking up the annual

Thanks all!

[Deleted User] · October 2015

Which annual is that? What is the issue's name? Look forward to seeing your map

the_3l3phant · October 2015

I'm leaning toward Annual Vol 6. The 13th Age month looks most like what I'm looking for (I'm hoping there's a way to increase the depth/height of the mountains - Does anyone have experience with that particular issue?) That volume also has Herwin Wielink's amazing isometric dungeon tiles.

December ’08, Volume 2's Shaded Relief looks like a contender and has the Star System templates, but I can't tell if Shaded Relief will actually do what I want.

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Top-down maps

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