Google Maps for Game Maps

Waddell · Post by **Waddell** » Mon Nov 03, 2014 5:53 am

I've been interested in Modern Conflicts and have had a difficult time getting suitable maps. To solve this I made a pdf file of a hex grid marked off in rectangles that correspond to the size of the GHQ TerrainMaker Skirmish Boards. Now when I need a map to use as a guide I can go to Google Maps, select the area, set the resolution to 1000 ft and print the map. Next I can print the hex grid on top of the map print and use that as a guide to arranging or making the hex modules I need. Right now the grid is somewhat rough but serviceable.

The only drawback is that it does not show elevation anywhere so you will need something as a backup. So far the best reference has been the University of Texas Map repository at http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/.

I'm curious if anyone else has done this or something similar for creating battlefields for their games.

Waddell · Post by **Waddell** » Mon Nov 03, 2014 11:53 pm

If anyone has something to help with elevation that would solve the final problem. So far this works pretty well, particularly in planning what types of hexes are needed and where they will go.

Quartette · Post by **Quartette** » Wed Nov 05, 2014 2:37 pm

Busboy has done some interesting stuff using google maps

http://www.ghqmodels.com/forum/viewtopi ... y&start=60

http://www.ghqmodels.com/forum/viewtopi ... y&start=75

Bezmozgu7 · Post by **Bezmozgu7** » Wed Nov 05, 2014 4:42 pm

I use the ArcGIS topographic view to get an idea of the topography/elevations; here's a link:

http://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewe ... dd3c2fdebd

The contour lines appear to be at fairly large increments that are not the level of detail I'm looking for, but which do give a general idea of the topography.

I combine this info with that on Google Maps/Satellite imagery, other online map repositories, and any other reference maps and terrain descriptions in the primary source books I use to extrapolate -- hopefully -- a reasonable representation of the terrain for the battle area involved.