# landscape/map layout software? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 4, 2009, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landscape-map-layout-software/512605 "2009-10-04T23:40:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MaxTheVool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2009, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landscape-map-layout-software/512605/1 "2009-10-04T23:40:13Z")
So I’m working on creating a board game. I want to design individual game tiles which have little paths and regions connecting the various sides, kind of like those in [Carcassonne](http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/170068). I was thinking there was probably some piece of software meant for very simple drawing of maps or perhaps garden or landscaping layout that might do exactly what I want, nice and easily. This is only for prototyping, so it doesn’t have to look fancy, but I basically need to be able to draw little paths, and then outline and label regions. Any suggestions? thanks ---
**Author:** ![MaxTheVool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2009, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landscape-map-layout-software/512605/2 "2009-10-06T16:44:29Z")
bump ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2009, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landscape-map-layout-software/512605/3 "2009-10-06T17:04:00Z")
Perhaps a vector drawing program might be of use? Try [Inkscape](http://www.inkscape.org/), which is free. The king of such programs is Adobe Illustrator, but that costs money. There are others, like Corel Draw. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2009, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landscape-map-layout-software/512605/4 "2009-10-06T18:43:17Z")
Does [Google Sketchup](http://sketchup.google.com/) do what you want? ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2009, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landscape-map-layout-software/512605/5 "2009-10-06T20:43:09Z")
You are a programmer, right **Max**? What about doing something in SVG? I found it pretty easy to pick up. Although **Sunspace** ’s link to Inkscape looks even easier. Also, hope this isn’t too much of a hijack, but I thought you might be interested in these links. Once you have your prototype done, there is a company that makes custom board games. Article about it: > **[Awesome: The Game Crafter Lets You Build And Sell Your Own Custom Board Games...](https://techcrunch.com/2009/07/16/awesome-the-game-crafter-lets-you-build-and-sell-your-own-custom-board-games/)** > > Now this is a great idea. The Game Crafter is a new company that lets you build your own, fully customized, table-top games. Board games, card games — you name it, there's a good chance these guys can put it together for you, with fully customized... Actual site: [http://www.thegamecrafter.com/](http://www.thegamecrafter.com/) BTW, I don’t have anything to do with this company. I just thought it was relevant. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2009, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landscape-map-layout-software/512605/6 "2009-10-06T20:47:01Z")
> [@CaveMike](#): > > BTW, I don’t have anything to do with this company. I just thought it was relevant. Dude, schilling for Yahoo and now boardgame companies?! Shame on you… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2009, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landscape-map-layout-software/512605/7 "2009-10-06T21:39:04Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Dude, schilling for Yahoo and now boardgame companies?! Shame on you… 😉 I know **Zipper** , I have no shame! I had the same thought which was why I included that lame disclaimer at the bottom. ---
**Author:** ![MaxTheVool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2009, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landscape-map-layout-software/512605/8 "2009-10-14T16:41:44Z")
I’ve checked out Inkscape, and it looks like just what I need (and takes me back to my days using Aldus Freehand in high school journalism). Thanks!