CREATING PLANET MAPS
How big are the Adventurers' worlds?
The physical size of your world determines the parameters of the world map size.
The length of the equator defines the horizontal or X axis of the map for all 360 degrees of the sphere.
For the height of the map, divide the length of the equator (circumference) by pi (22/7 or 3.14 approximated) for the distance covered by 180 degrees of the sphere from pole to pole.
Graph out the X and Y distances calculated above.
Center the X and Y coordinates in the graph and label the latitude and longitude degrees for North, South, East, and West.
Unfortunately, this map projection introduces increasing “distortion” the closer to the poles you get.
However, this makes a great start for simple tracking of sites without too much reality simulation and mathematical overhead.
Where are things located on those worlds?
Three key considerations for any new world map:
- Location of resources
- Location of first landing
- Locations of points of interest:
What makes this world interesting to an expanding civilization?
Add locations of resources which may attract exploration and settlement.
Where did the first explorers or settlers choose to start after surveys?
Enshrine the first successful survey and settlement point for its historical value as a key location of the map.
What mysteries can the Adventurers explore or uncover later?
Add locations of interesting points for future exploration as adventure hooks.
Consider adding a few surveys and settlements which failed, before the first successful one, as locations and adventure hooks.
