Maps for Scenarios - Opinions Wanted

[cstoesen]

I am looking for some opinions as to what needs to be represented on a map included in a scenario.  I am updating the maps in my CSIR supplement now and want to make sure that they have everything in them that is really needed.  Anyway, I have the sample maps and the text describing them on my blog.  Please take a look and help me out on this.  I want the supplement to be the best it can before I release it.

http://cstoesen.blogspot.com/2013/07/scenario-maps-suggestions-welcome.html

[grant]

Definitely that is a huge improvement - crayons vs. university level work 

[former user]

if You mention hills You might want to add level contour lines or gradual colouring of the elevation

[SpaceCudet]

The second is definitely an improvement.

You may benefit from some "proper" map drawing software like Campaign Cartographer or Dundjinni or if I may be so bold as to pimp my own work MappingBoard which is free and I'm happy to give help and advice on it's use.

[cstoesen]

The second map was done in campaign cartographer 3. 

[cstoesen]

What's the link to mapping board?  I would like to check it out.

[SpaceCudet]

D'oh the word MappingBoard, both here and in the original message are hyperlinks but the theme doesn't highlight them as such.

So the url is http://map.tylermade.co.uk.

[cstoesen]

Ah.  Thanks.  I am checking it out now. Campaign Cartographer is great but I am looking for something .... simpler?

[LCpl McDoom]

Another vote for the 2nd map too 

I love sorting out map graphics for my games. Depending on era/period, if text needs to be on the map, I try to seek out a suitable font to compliment the look (e.g., I wouldn't use Arial or Comic Sans for Napoleonic-era stuff).

And with regards the hill countours, if it's meant to be modern I use thin black line and the numeric value for the height, otherwise (and especially if it's WW1 or earlier) I usually stick with the thin line with some thinner hatchings to mark the downslope. If you use the level-numeric countour lines (e.g., ----- 25 ----- ), you can also draw in the triangulation point for the hill's high point, that way you can name the high ground accordingly (e.g., Hill 128).

I do like the subdued colours for the terrain, very nice touch.

[cstoesen]

OK.  I was undecided about the current elevation markings.  I will look at revisiting that.

[LCpl McDoom]

If it helps at all, I thought the current coloured lines & markings you have for the hill lines at the moment would make really good entrenchment lines.

[cstoesen]

I have tried to incorporate the suggestions that I have read.  I changed the color of the elevation markers and made them thinner.  I also added a compass rose as well.



Improvement?

[LCpl McDoom]

I like that a lot more.

Maybe make the contour lines less straight, and more natural/curved?