Using maps in worldbuilding
Maps play a critical role in worldbuilding by bringing fictional worlds to life for both the writer and the reader. By providing a visual representation of the world, maps can contextualize the story, convey mood and aesthetics, and enhance the reader's understanding of the narrative. This article explores the importance of maps in worldbuilding, different types of maps, map-making techniques and tools, and how to integrate maps into your storytelling.
What is a worldbuilding map?
A worldbuilding map is a visual representation of a fictional world created to aid in the development and understanding of the setting in which a story takes place. These maps can depict geographical features, political boundaries, cultural and historical context, or any combination of these elements. Maps can help writers develop a richer, more immersive setting for their stories by providing a tangible, visual representation of the world.
Why should writers use worldbuilding maps?
There are several reasons why writers should consider incorporating maps into their worldbuilding process:
- It contextualizes the story for the reader and helps orient them in your world, providing a clearer understanding of the setting and its geography.
- It helps the reader understand the journey and how story events unfold, making it easier to follow the narrative.
- It conveys a mood and aesthetic to your reader and can add dimension to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Small-scale maps vs large-scale maps
In the context of fiction worldbuilding, a small-scale map typically refers to a map that covers a relatively small area in detail, such as a city or a dungeon. Small-scale maps are useful for focusing on specific locations and providing a detailed layout of the area. In contrast, a large-scale map covers a much larger area, such as a continent or an entire planet. Large-scale maps are useful for showing a fictional world's overall layout and geography but may provide less detail than a small-scale map.
Types of maps for worldbuilding
There are several types of maps you can create for your fictional world:
- Geographical maps
- Topographical maps
- Climate maps
- Resource maps
- Political maps
- Country and regional boundaries
- City and town maps
- Maps of fictional organizations or empires
- Cultural and historical maps
- Language distribution maps
- Religion and belief systems maps
- Historical event maps
Developing your map-making skills
There are numerous techniques and tools available for creating maps for your fictional world:
- Traditional map-making techniques
- Hand-drawing and sketching
- Watercolour and ink
- Digital map-making tools a. Vector graphics software b. Specialized mapping software c. Online map-making resources and communities
Creating maps for different storytelling formats
Depending on your story's format, you may need to create different types of maps:
- Maps for novels and short stories
- In-text descriptions and map inserts
- Maps for e-books and digital formats
- Maps for role-playing games (RPGs)
- Player maps and handouts
- Dungeon and encounter maps
- Maps for screenplays and film/television projects
- Storyboard and concept maps
- Set design and location-scouting maps
Using maps to enhance your storytelling
Maps can be used to enrich your storytelling in various ways:
- Visualizing geographical features
- Mountains, rivers, and forests
- b. Deserts, islands, and oceans
- Developing political and social boundaries
- Countries, provinces, and city-states
- b. Territories and disputed lands
- Building cultural and historical context
- Migration patterns and settlements
- Trade routes and exploration
Collaborating with professional mapmakers
Working with a professional mapmaker can elevate the quality of your maps and improve their integration with your story:
- Benefits of working with a professional mapmaker
- Finding the right mapmaker for your project
- Collaborating and communicating effectively
Integrating maps into your marketing and promotion
Incorporating maps into your marketing and promotional efforts can create additional interest in your fictional world:
- Including maps in book cover designs
- Sharing maps on social media and author websites
- Creating interactive maps and multimedia experiences
Using maps in worldbuilding is a powerful tool for fiction writers that offers numerous benefits for both the writer and the reader. By developing a variety of maps for your fictional world, you can create a richer, more immersive setting that enhances your storytelling. Whether you create your own maps or collaborate with a professional mapmaker, including maps in your worldbuilding process can add depth and dimension to your story, captivating your readers and drawing them further into your fictional world.
Dive into more map-making resources
Defining the geography of your world
Using real-world inspiration for fictional map-making
