New old guy...

[Otter]

I havn't really decided if CC3/CD3 is really the way to go... It looks very nice but I'm not sure if I want to drop $85 (CC3 + CD3, download) on a program I am not familiar with. I would really like to test drive it and see what kind of learning curve it has. The other issue is my real job is tech support for a small software company in Columbus Oh. and when I get home after work I can find 5 other things I'd rather do than sit down in front of a computer again.

I will look into GIMP, which won't hurt so bad if I find out that mapmaking on the computer is not for me. I'll look into the tutorial also.

Thanks for pointing out that option.

I'll be back...

[jfrazierjr]

I havn't really decided if CC3/CD3 is really the way to go... It looks very nice but I'm not sure if I want to drop $85 (CC3 + CD3, download) on a program I am not familiar with. I would really like to test drive it and see what kind of learning curve it has. The other issue is my real job is tech support for a small software company in Columbus Oh. and when I get home after work I can find 5 other things I'd rather do than sit down in front of a computer again.

I will look into GIMP, which won't hurt so bad if I find out that mapmaking on the computer is not for me. I'll look into the tutorial also.

Thanks for pointing out that option.

I'll be back...

While I am slightly biased toward GIMP, CC/CD are really good programs. However, I have tried CC (a long time ago) and it has a steep learning curve unless you take the time go through the tutorials that come with it and spend some time playing with it. However, once you get proficient, you can make a nice map very quickly with not much effort due to the stock images and such that come with it. GIMP likewise has learning curve, but on the other hand, it can be used for so much more than map making.

tech support....been there, done that... "hatttted it".

If you do get GIMP, I would highly advise spending the time to install the python support. It is a PITA to get working on windows, but it really provides you with some really nice options of some things that other users have scripted which increase the flexibility of the base GIMP install. Like I said, if you get started in GIMP, post up your works in progress early and often so we can help you along. Of the "really" active posters, myself, RobA, Torq, and Torstan who use GIMP (others use GIMP but may not be as active, sorry if I missed someone!), one of us should be able to help you out within a few days at the most if you have any questions.

[Otter]

I got GIMP 2.6 and have playin around with. I have Vista at work and XP Home at home. GIMP is working fine on both, is there something i might be missing?

I was checking out various features and doodling to see how it works. I have also started reading some of the tutorials on GIMP, started with the Layers/Channels. I took a B&W map and re-scaled in GIMP to the size I want and now playing around with that, although it's a single layer.

I'll read over the tuts and give it a go and if needed i'll ask questions...

Been doing tech support for over 9 years, the best part is I am only required to support our program and if you don't know how to use Windows, send emails or use Office apps, etc. - Sorry, until they (Microsoft, etc) put some digits in my checkbook I do not have to provide support for an app we don't produce... "Press F1 in that app for Help or contact that vendor".


Thanks.

[jfrazierjr]

I got GIMP 2.6 and have playin around with. I have Vista at work and XP Home at home. GIMP is working fine on both, is there something i might be missing?

Then get to postin yer maps!!!

Not sure what the last sentence is in reference to. Are you talking about the Python support? If so, search the forums for Python and GIMP and poster = RobA. Basically, GIMP allows users to write scripts to automate common repetitive tasks. It has a built in scripting engine and also allows scripting using the Python and Perl languages (though you will probably not get Perl working on windows!). My point is that there are many scripts out there, some written in the default language and some written in Python, so if you want to use the Python ones, you have to follow the install process to get the extra components needed. I would highly suggest getting the Python support up and running even though it is a pain in the ass to get working right unless you follow the instructions EXACTLY.

I was checking out various features and doodling to see how it works. I have also started reading some of the tutorials on GIMP, started with the Layers/Channels. I took a B&W map and re-scaled in GIMP to the size I want and now playing around with that, although it's a single layer.