Best program to redraw an existing map?

[Gamerprinter]

ICE's map contest was to create a temple map. I created the Temple of Sargoseum - kind of Greek styled Poseidon-ish temple site.

Unfortunately, there is no mesh tool in Xara, though I wish there was. I've created volcanoes using Xara however, though I don't have a ready tutorial for doing so. I create a roughly circular shape with a more circular hole cut in the center, give an ashy texture fill, then apply flat bevel. Sometimes I add a secondary detailed ridge at the cone's lip of the volcano. It takes a little trial and error to get right.

Also check the talkgraphics.com forums, which is the Xara forums. I have a thread there called: Fantasy Maps created using Xara Xtreme (Xtreme was the previous version of the current software - its a 4 year long thread.)

[Gamerprinter]

And you know JT, that I agree that GIMP is a great FREE image editor and used by many cartographers pros and amateurs alike. Madmaxneo mentions his familiarity with Illustrator and preferring to work with vectors. I'd have pointed out Inkscape as a vector program since it too is FREE, but he mentioned it not fitting his needs having some experience with it. With those parameters in mind, Xara is a good solution.

[Jacktannery]

No problem - I wasn't trying to rain on your parade Gameprinter, I was just pointing out a couple of things to the do OP; if he views seamless textures as an image that image-tools can process, rather than as something that comes with image programmes, that can only be a good thing.

[Gamerprinter]

Well, good luck in your cartographic endeavors, Madmaxneo! If you have an questions regarding Xara or tips needed, just ask, I am always hanging around. If you have Xara in the title of any thread, I'll find it.

[Jacktannery]

Yes good luck Max, and I look forward to seeing your maps.

[Madmaxneo]

Yes good luck Max, and I look forward to seeing your maps.

Well this first one I am not sure if I will be able to post it. I can't remember if the original map was a free download or part of another product I purchased. I will have to ask ICE about that.

Gamerprinter, I put the word out about your fantasy printing site. I am not sure if ICE is aware of your services but I didn't see them listed on your site. There are quite a few people that want updated versions of the Shadow World poster maps, me included.

I need some Xara Help now.
1. How do I scale the textures so they come out with much better detail in a close up range. I have already set the scale of my original image to 20000 px by 16500 px so I can good close up quality.
2. Is there a way to add an entire library of textures to Xara instead of adding each folder individually?

Bruce

[Gamerprinter]

Bruce, when you apply the texture fill, 2 lines as a coordinate appear on or near your selected shape. If you click your mouse on either end of the coordinate, you can move towards the center to shrink the image, or pull it out to enlarge it. You can also move the coordinate around to rotate your texture fill. Make sure to select 'bitmap', next to it is a dropdown menu with 'single tile', 'repeating tile' or 'repeating tile inverted', if you're going for image repeat, select either of the last 2 - sometimes its better with either option depending on your image file.

I see that you're setting this up in pixels, which is fine, but usually when I create a map, I do it in inches. When you first open the program, under File/New, I usually select 'US Letter (blank)'. Then under File/Page Options, I select 'Custom' and change the dimensions to something I'd normally print, like Tabloid, 18" x 24", 24" x 36" or 36" x 48" or whatever my final intended size. Since I run a print shop, I think in terms of total dimensions in inches and never worry about pixels. Once I complete a map, then I export the file to JPG, PNG, PDF, or some other format and only then do I decide on pixels per inch. So if this is for use in a VT application, like Roll20 for example, optimal size is 70 inches by 70 inches at 70 ppi. I export to whatever format, pixels and dimensions the intended use for the map.

[Madmaxneo]

I usually also set it up in inches but didn't this time.
I am having another problem which can probably be fixed in the settings somewhere but I can't seem to find it. Xara is always on top, the only way to see other windows like my browser, is to minimize it. Where is the setting for this?

[Gamerprinter]

Hmmm, I've never encountered that. I too use multiple applications at once, and have no problem with Xara wanting to stay on top. Not that there isn't an issue, I'm not aware of the problem nor how to fix that. I'd go to the Talkgraphics.com forum and post your question there. I can help you regarding tools and techniques, but this kind of question I'm not so sure.

[Madmaxneo]

Not a big deal, I actually downloaded the previous version, a common practice for me.
You might have missed this.
1. Repeat question; How do I import/convert my entire library of textures instead of doing it one folder at a time?

Bruce