Good maps for Play-by-Post?

[Maquise]

Does anyone know of a good, convenient way of making maps for play-by-post campaigns?

I've tried using Maptools, but the only way I can use that in a pbp environment is by taking screenshots and then uploading the screenshots, a bothersome and time-consuming process. Currently, I'm using Google spreadsheets, which works fine I guess, but I can't help but wonder if there's something more.

I have found some websites that have mapping software intended for this sort of thing. The problem is that most of them make you use their forums for your games, and I would like to stay at the Playground if at all possible. Any ideas?

[Malimar]

I wound up going with sort of rogue-like maps, typing them out in Notepad, copying them into the forum under the [code] tag to preserve the fixed width, and providing a key with every map.

Example:

Spoiler

Show

..........
.########.
.#......#.
.#......#.
.|[email protected].#.
.#......#.
.#......#.
.########.
..........

. = ground
# = wall
| = door
@ = you
o = orc
t = table with pie on it

It suits my tastes and purposes pretty well (certainly easier for me than mucking about with image files or third-party websites), but I probably wouldn't actually recommend it to anybody who isn't already used to rogue-like "graphics".

[Maquise]

I've thought about it, but that's basically the same thing as using Google spreadsheets. Actually, spreadsheets are easier.

[Phaedrus2129]

I had my friend draw me up a hex grid using AutoCAD. I just copy/paste that however many times I need then draw on it with MS Paint.