cartography in photoshop

[Bellmaethorion]

I'm trying to make a map in photoshop, and I was wondering, lazy as I am, whether anyone knew about brushes for things like forests, mountains and waves.

I'm working on CS3, but I think the brushes are backwards compatible.

[Swooper]

I'm not sure this will be of any help, but I made a map using Paint.NET (it's a bit like PS lite, and it's freeware) once. I used clouds to make forests, swamps and deserts. Looked pretty nice. I never found a good way to do mountains though, so I ended up just drawing lots of mountain peaks, Tolkien style.

Also, shouldn't this be in the Arts & Crafts forum?

[Newtkeeper]

I never found a good way to do mountains though, so I ended up just drawing lots of mountain peaks, Tolkien style.

When I need mountains, I usually draw a few, then copy/paste the rest. Saves my arm a good deal, I can tell you.

I'm no artist, but I can do fairly convincing mountains.

If you can't, google "map mountain" and scroll a few pages. Odds are, you'll find some decent things to cut/paste from.

[horseboy]

If you're truly lazy you could always use google maps. You'd be surprised the number of people that will never realize you're playing in the Ukrane.

[Bellmaethorion]

Also, shouldn't this be in the Arts & Crafts forum?

of course*facepalm*, I'll make a new post there

If you're truly lazy you could always use google maps. You'd be surprised the number of people that will never realize you're playing in the Ukrane.

Hah, that's a good idea, but unfortunately, I do have a map sketched out, I just want it to look a bit more.. presentable

[GlordFunkelhand]

I'm trying to make a map in photoshop, and I was wondering, lazy as I am, whether anyone knew about brushes for things like forests, mountains and waves.

I'm working on CS3, but I think the brushes are backwards compatible.

Check iTunes for a video podcast entitled "Fantasy MapMaking with Photoshop" - it's pretty good ;)