I've been a DM for over 15 years now dabbling as far as AD&D 2nd Edition (I know it's outdated) because thats the version I know best and I don't have the time to learn the newer versions. Besides (and I could be wrong) they seem to have changed it quite a bit so thats uncharted waters for me. Anyway I am currently a "hand-drawn/sketch" guy when it comes to world building. I've been using AKS HexMapper and it's been working great for a close up tool for mapping out the areas I have already drawn in sections. I am still seeking a really good (and cartographical) map designing utility and/or designer with some good graphics (although not a priority) that I can download for free. I've also tried Campaign Cartographer 2 and 3, but it didn't take as I found it a tad too complicated and time-consuming to put together even the basic map of anything.

I've seen some pretty cool things on the net so far....

(Almost perfect town design with graphics) http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/4e..._dumm_full.jpg

(Another great set of images) http://www.dungeonartist.com/cartography.htm#

NOW, if only there was a mapper or something that would come close to any of the above.

Or is there a way to do this in PhotoShop that isn't going to chew literally a full day just making one map? I'm extremely well learned in Photoshop and have been using it for several years, so it's not impossible for me to adapt to a method in there as long as it's not going to consume the life out of me. I do understand that in order to make a really good map you will have to invest some degree of time involved. I don't mind doing that as long as it's not complicated.

Any ideas folks?