Design a map for print

[Gamerprinter]

Even though I suggested 300 dpi for the map resolution. It really depends on how small your smallest text and or lineart objects are, as you could get away with and quite successfully staying at 200 dpi or even 150 dpi. It really depends on your map and what's on it.

Another thing mentioned earlier in this thread. Once you've got your layers placed on the map - flatten the image or export portions of your map as individual PNG/JPG/TIF files then composite the whole thing.

A flattened, layered map should be significantly smaller than 200 MB.

I deal with lots of maps at 300 dpi/24 x 36 that is less than 100 MB - it depends on how you save it, flatten, etc. Seriously consider a compressed JPG file as your final map for lowest, but still high quality, resolution.

GP

[Redstar]

The last big map I did was ~300 dpi, ~ 3000px x 3000px. My computer was not happy with it. While I love the idea, I feel like only people with the computer power to handle it would be able to really compete.

[Gamerprinter]

Looks like this Challenge idea is coming to fruition, after some more approvals it may be going next month.

I've changed some of the parameters to make it easier on everyone. It is still for a 24" x 36" map, however the minimum resolution requirement now is 100 ppi (but will accept up to 300 ppi, for those who can do this...)

So a 2400 x 3600 pixel map is not as taxing to your PC to make your map entry. If your comp can handle a file this size at higher resolution, go for it, just don't feel you have to create 300 ppi and drop a couple more RAM chips just so you can do it.

GP

[Hoel]

No other restrictions? Anything goes as long as it fits the format?
This could be sweet, with me unemployed having lots of free time.
Start prepping a box for sweden!

[Gamerprinter]

I am sure there will be other restrictions - I haven't the authority to make them, as I am not a community leader or admin, the true decision makers here. In fact, last month's War map was supposed to be the Printed map contest, however, Arcana needed to make certain changes to uploading parts of the forum to enable this, yet was out of town on business, so we couldn't do it for last month.

I am sure there will be some kind of theme yet to be determined. So yeah, there will probably be a few more restrictions, so don't go hog-wild yet.

And Hoel, nice to know you're from Sweden, didn't know that. Anna, another member is a master cartographer with her Greyhawk map series. She's from Sweden as well.

GP