If you want to map, map. Map as much as you want. Even if you never show your map to other people, you've increased your understanding of your world, which will enhance your writing.

For me, maps are a nearly essential tool to have to make sure I'm consistent, but I'm not artistically inclined so I'm very lax about drawing them, and while I'd like to use a computer program to create a map that matches my vision for the bits I have envisioned and fills in the gaps I don't have any ideas for, I haven't been able to find a program that meets my needs.

I would also like to find mapping software that would enable me to create digital copies as well as the ones on paper. I haven't yet figured out how to transfer what I already have onto the computer. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

I should probably hand draw some, I'd find I could do it better that way I think.

I'm a bit of a mapping geek, so I thought I'd see if anyone else around here shares my view. The question at hand is: do you use maps for your worlds? If so, how do you draw them and how thorough are you? If not, why not? What are some of your favorites?

Just thought I'd start picking your brains.

I also don't make only geographical maps. I've got political maps, resource maps, road maps, trade maps, and I'm planning to make a wind pattern map.

I make lots of maps for my worlds just so I can keep track of things and not make any errors.
Wither or not I would add a map in the actual story or not I don't know since I haven't finished the story. But I think I probably will.

I also don't make only geographical maps. I've got political maps, resource maps, road maps, trade maps, and I'm planning to make a wind pattern map.