New to the community and CC3+
Hi all! I'm new to the forum and new to CC3+. I wanted to share my first large area map and ask a question regarding mapping smaller regions within the large map. I would like to take the north eastern portion of this map (which I have added towns into) and make it into it's own map so the area is easier to see for my players. How can I either print out this portion of the map, or even better, export a portion of the map into a new file so I can add more detail in a smaller region? Also, any tips and suggestions on how to improve the large area map would be great.
One mistake I made was to not add the scale or title until after I created the map. Is there a way to add the scale with actual numbers in it after I have already created the map, or will I need to start over? And advice would be great.
One mistake I made was to not add the scale or title until after I created the map. Is there a way to add the scale with actual numbers in it after I have already created the map, or will I need to start over? And advice would be great.
Comments
I'll advice you to make the export a bit bigger than you posted above though. Also, in the export options, enable restrict image to map border and crop to aspect ration, that way you don't get those large white areas included in the export.
As for the scale bar, some symbols have built-in text, others have not. If you use one without build-in text, you simply have to use the regular text command to place the numbers manually (I recommend bottom center justification for this).
The basics behind exporting part of a map to a new map is explained in the user manual, in the trace tutorial starting on page 58 (If you haven't read through the manual up to that point yet, I suggest you do). I also explain some of the important steps very briefely as part of the break command tutorial.
I prefer PNG myself.
Because not everyone have all the add-ons, an image (png or jpg) is the best way to present your map in a way such as everyone sees it. However, providing the .fcw allows people to dig properly into your map and examine not only the result, but also how you did it, and is the best way of sharing if you wish other people to be able to use these maps themselves (like we do with the maps int he community atlas - check the sticky at the top).
Not everyone is going to want to load up the .fcw though (and may not even have CC at their current computer, so there should always be an image, with the .fcw as a secondary file if you wish to provide it.
Nice map
I use PNG for just about everything. I always make any graphics I do larger and I shrink down in paint or gimp.
For tutorial recommendations I highly recommend Joe Sweeny''s video tutorial that are on YouTube and his free master Mapping class. He organized the videos and added stuff for CC3+ in it and takes questions. Joe's videos were the biggest help to me learning to use the software.
Aside from Tutorials you can always post "work in progress" maps and we'll give you advice on how to improve it.:)