The Starship Geomorphs book is finally complete and ready for download. I can safely say after three years of putting this project together the itch has been thoroughly scratched. If you have any constructive criticisms please comment below. I'm not opposed to revisiting this sometime in the future if the situation warrants it. In the meantime I'm going to take a short break and get back to some smaller, less intense projects. Thanks for your patience, I hope you find it worth the wait.
Click here to download the expanded PDF: Starship Geomorphs v2.0.pdf (released 07-26-2020)
Click here to download the updated PDF: Starship Geomorphs v1.1.pdf (released 11-11-2018)
Click here to download the original PDF: Starship Geomorphs v1.0.pdf (released 10-10-2018)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Edit:
The question has come up regarding printing these for miniature use. A couple things to consider first:
The scale provided in the PDF is 1/4"=5'-0" or one square grid. This is simple enough to scale up for 15mm (1/2"=1'-0") figure use. If you are using a standard letter size (8.5"x11") printer you will be limited to Edge and Corner Geomorphs which will print out at 10"x5" and 5"x5" respectfully. A Standard Geomorph will print at 10"x10" so will not fit on letter size paper, but if your printer supports 11x17 that would work.
To print an Edge or Corner Geomorph to 8.5" x 11" paper for 15mm figures:
Routine, Admin, INT 5 min, Safe (That's a MegaTraveller joke)
Kidding aside, here's how I did it using Adobe Acrobat Pro. Your software may vary.
Open the PDF to the page you wish to print
Edit > Take a Snapshot > draw boundary around desired geomorph > Print (open print dialogue box) > set Custom Scale to 200% > set orientation to Landscape mode for Edge Geomorph > Print
For Standard Geomorphs at 15mm or any geomorphs at 25mm scale (1"=5'-0") I would use the same process as above, but change the paper size to something like 11x17 or 18x24, depending on what you are printing, set the Custom Scale to 400% (for 25mm) and instead of printing to your printer, I'd print to PDF, and then send that PDF to a print shop for printing if you can't print the larger paper size. You may be able to set it up such that you print a larger drawing on a series of 8.5x11 sheets and tape them together, but personally I would not go that route. Good luck!
An example of an Edge Geomorph printed on 8.5x11 at 200% for 15mm figures:
A few quick notes:
This PDF version is mainly intended for viewing on a computer or other device. While in my experience the individual geomorph pages look fine when printed, the illustrations come out very dark. It is doubtful that I will be creating a print version.
Regarding navigating through the document: I spent a good amount of time creating hyperlinks all through the document, so it should be very easy to find what you are looking for. I find jumping to the Indexes at the back of the book, clicking on what I am looking for, and making copious use of the Alt-Left Arrow to go back to the previous page to be very helpful. The book is also fully bookmarked.
Whoa.... Fantastic Effort. An awesome tool for an Referee. Thank you for creating this.
ReplyDeleteImpressed ! Many thanks...
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic and flexible resource for the busy Referee! This will come in very handy, thank you.
ReplyDeleteBravo! Thanks for making this available to the community!
ReplyDeleteStrong
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Thanks much!
ReplyDeleteThank you for making this freely available. I know I'll use it, maybe even this weekend!
ReplyDeleteSheer beauty. Thanx!
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing effort.
it looks awesome, going to pass this link along to some Starfinder folks who are talking about not having deckplans
ReplyDeleteOutstanding! Thank you so much. Seconding the idea of a tip jar or something.
ReplyDeleteOne erratum to point out -- 169 and 409 should refer to *martial arts.
Thanks for the catch. I've probably reviewed this thing a dozen times of the last couple years and literally within five minutes of posting it online this morning found four errors. Reminds me of the time I was working on some architectural drawings and called out for "duckwork". I've marked it on my to do list for the next release.
DeleteIt's always something! Happens to me all the time.
DeleteThank you, I love it!
DeleteTypo: Page 184 "Workpods" "short sleeve" or "shirt sleeve"?
Argh! Didn't mean to post that here, sorry.
DeleteLooks great! Has anyone thought of making an art pack for any of the computer mapping tools?
ReplyDeletethere is a half-hearted attempt on Cartograpy Assets for Dungeondraft software. It's not worth downloading. It's lacking all but the basic walls, doors, windows and a handful of furniture and machineries. Couldn't even tackle the first geomorph with it, other than sketching in bulkhead walls.
DeleteYou should consider selling this on drivethru or rpgnow
ReplyDeleteFAN-FEKKIN;-TASTIC!
ReplyDeleteAmazing work!
Nice work! Maybe one more page of tram geomorphs to allow for routing & tunnels (such as going between one and two lane areas, and tunnels for the 3-square-wide trams as well as the 2-square-wide ones)? Though that's a very minor thing.
ReplyDeleteYou have made my day! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely amazing!
ReplyDeleteAs others have said, fantastic work! You should charge for it or at least allow us voluntarily pay something. What tool(s) did you use to create this?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely amazing. I'm enjoying just looking over the maps.
ReplyDeleteI don't suppose there's a chance of getting the raw image files, and/or a version without squares and/or with 3' hexes (for GURPS)?
While it would be easy enough for me to print these without the grid, it takes about 12 hours to print the whole set plus another 10-12 to add the hyperlinks. I experimented with this a bit and when I do the next major reprint I could export the files with layers on, so it would be easy for users to turn off the grid. That would have the added benefit of users being able to turn off room names for blank maps and turning off shading to save on ink. I just experimented with a version with both a standard and hex grid, but then the user would have to go through each sheet and turn off the grid they don't want. I'll keep thinking about this, but I'm afraid in the short term I can't help.
DeleteFantastic book. Thank you so much. Will make demoing Traveller at cons much easier to plan. Like others I would suggest a Donate button or some other format to allow us to buy you a beer / coffee /1oot Scout.
ReplyDeleteAstonishing. Thanks very much for your generosity.
ReplyDeleteI would gladly donate if I could.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone recommend software to cut these geomorphs and paste them together electronically? My graphics skills are woefully out of date.
No need to donate, thanks.
DeleteJust in case you are not Old School from CotI, here's the answer I posted there:
It really depends on the tools at hand. Assuming you are using a PC, you can use the Windows snipping tool to clip out the geomorphs you want. Try to clip them right down the middle of the wall for cleaner connections when assembling. In most word processing documents you can add images, rotate, and scale them. In Microsoft Word you need to go Insert > Picture for each image. Then right click on each image and set Wrap Text to something like Through, Behind Text, or In Front of Text so they can be moved freely.
Hi Robert. I'm the developer of MapForge (battlemap creation software for Windows and Mac). My software allows users to easily assemble geomorphic tiles like yours into a layout of their choice by stamping down tiles or other assets that they can easily rotate, flip, duplicate, randomize, etc.
DeleteWould you be willing to give me permission to put your geomorphic tiles into a free content Add-On for my software? I'm thinking that folks could either use the resulting layout "as is", or use it as a blueprint/guide to lay down textures and mapping assets over, to essentially recreate each tile in full color and in high-res. My software is free to use for those who only need low resolution output (e.g. for use in a virtual tabletop app like Roll20 or Fantasy Grounds). In short, I think Travis and others could benefit by having a ready-made app to assemble your content in.
Heruca - Overall I am open to doing this. Please send me an email at pearcedesignstudio@gmail.com so we can discuss specifics.
DeleteDoes this led to anything? That feature would be awesome!
DeleteNo one ever followed up with me on anything for MapForge, but some other blog readers converted the Geomorph books into image files suitable to work with most virtual table top systems. Image files can be found on the blog.
DeleteAmazing. And generous. You sir are a credit to the hobby!
ReplyDelete-Dylan Lee
DeleteWow! Just Wow!!
ReplyDeleteThis is truly amazing. Is there any way to export the images as svg or some other portable vector format so that they can be easily printed/scaled/pasted?
ReplyDeletepdfimage can't extract the artwork due to the way it was generated while gimp/screencaptures loose resolution due to raster vs vector manipulation.
Also, a reference tagline as in "Artwork created by ....." with the information you want us to include so that you get proper credit in anything that uses your material would be really appreciated.
Dalton Calford (for some reason it did not post my name)
DeleteSince AutoCAD drawings are a vector format, I understand this is technically possible, but requires Adobe Illustrator and SVG converters I don't have and would probably triple the production time. In a better universe I have mad Illustrator skills and this wouldn't be difficult.
DeleteI'm not too concerned with use of taglines for the artwork. So long as people aren't cropping off my initials or taking claim or charging for the work I'm pretty much happy just to know that people are getting some use out of it. Links back to my blog are always appreciated, but not necessary. This is a relatively small community and word of mouth seems to be doing pretty well.
I have programs that convert between varios formats. If you have a sample of your work I am willing to try the conversions for you.
DeleteI have been able to extract all the graphics, as vector graphics/svg graphics.
DeleteCurrently each page is a single SVG file. From there, in a svg editor, you ungroup the page elements, select the graphics you want, copy/paste onto a new svg document and edit as needed.
For example, I have removed all the grid lines from the modular cutter page to replace with hexes.
So, if Rob is ok with this, I will post the svg files onto a repository so everyone has access and can modify as they desire.
I also have the software to convert the svg to dxf for import into cad or profantasy style programs.
I am willing to post this up as long as everyone is ok with this.
Absolutely terrific work - can't wait to use 'em!
ReplyDeleteGot the link from /r/traveller. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely amazing set of deckplans. And the "colour" illustrations scattered throughout the product may even be worth more than the plans themselves for giving players an immersion into the gaming world.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fantastic work!
I have boosted the signal on this to Starfinder and Hero System/Champions FB groups and forums, linking back to this blog
ReplyDeleteI saw that on the Hero Games forum. Thanks!
Deletecool... I should pay more attention to the forums there, I was part of the team that created Traveller Hero
DeleteSuperb work here. Many thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteI also passed on this link to Marc Miller, havent heard back beyond that he read the message on facebook
ReplyDeletePretty neat!
ReplyDeleteThis is very cool!
ReplyDeleteA huge amount of work, thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteSir, you have just been awarded the Starburst for Extreme Heroism!
ReplyDeleteI talked to Marc Miller tonight at Walmart, he really likes this, and wasnt at all concerned about it
ReplyDeleteGood to hear. Thanks.
DeleteThank you providing the geomorphs free
ReplyDeleteThis is the most amazing and useful thing ever for Traveler or Sci-fi GMs out there. A big thank you. Great job. It is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThank You for the level of effort put into this. Great work!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work Robert! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Please, please, please LULU this!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks! This is an incredible resource and a real joy to read. I especially like all of the suggestions for using the geomorphs.
ReplyDeleteAs so many before have said - you sir are a saint, nay a knight, or perhaps a master. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
ReplyDeletedamm, this is impressive work. congratulations.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable. You have provided a top-quality resource to the Traveller community, free of charge. I commend your creativity and effort, and also your amazing generosity - thank you!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, this is easily one of the better Trav products that I've seen in years. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this amazing resource!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to say thank you again for this! I ran yesterday and the Baron pitched her plan to the PCs in the Arboretum Edge so she could gesticulate out the window wall at her cavern city.
ReplyDeleteTrying to work out how to use the Dojo.
Nitpicking questions: How different is 1.1 from 1.0? And why is the text not searchable in 1.1? Is it just me?
You are certainly welcome. Glad to hear someone is getting use out of the arboreta. I wasn't sure if people would think that was an unnecessary luxury. Release 1.1 fixes a few spelling and grammatical errors, corrects some line weight issues, and makes some minor design tweaks to many of the geomorphs - fewer group freshers - that sort of thing.
DeleteWith 1.1 I was looking at print version opportunities and was having difficulty getting the PDF in a format that was printer friendly AND would recognize my fonts. In the end I had to convert the text to graphics, which is why it is not searchable. I spent a lot of time creating hyperlinks throughout the document, so things should be easy to find if you use them with the index, but I can see how searchable text might still be beneficial. I'll try again with the next version if it ever happens.
OK, thanks. I've seen annoying technical issues like that elsewhere, with no easy solution.
ReplyDeleteThank you Robert for this. This is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI was a Traveller player 35 years ago, and you gave me something I did not feel for a very long time. Maybe I will try and play again with my sons, thanks to you.
Kudos to your mapping skills.
I've just downloaded and had a quick perusal of this and it's terrific stuff. Well done and thank you
ReplyDeleteThanks! Hope you enjoy it.
DeleteVery nicely done
ReplyDeleteThis is a most impressive work! I have been thinking about my lost Traveller resources lately. While collecting some other stuff online, I ran across this. I am completely blown away. Can't wait to see what else you release!
ReplyDeleteI’m late to the party here, but way cool!
ReplyDeleteI used a few of these tiles last night to add colour to a last-minute adventure I prepared during the day. My players loved them! We normally use 25mm and although this time I was only able to print out smaller scale A4 size prints, I'll be slicing and dicing these tiles up to 400% scale and printing my usual A1/A0 print shop for future adventures. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks. This was very much what I needed
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIm a huge fan. I just found you today, but your work is awesome. I wish I was able to play at my house, but this stupid pandemic has really put a damper on that... as I am sure we are all aware of. I started playing digitally but man trying to find assets are not super easy online. Anyway, keep up the great work!!
ReplyDeleteJust pointed out to this site. What an awesome resource. Thank you for all the effort and work involved.
ReplyDeleteAccidentally blundered into this as a result of seeing your dropship deck plan on Pinterest. Glad I followed up!
ReplyDeleteAnd really like the additional art, too.
Now to work out how to extract the symbol set to use in my own non-geomorphed maps ... :-)
Thanks again! (I'd have paid for this on DTRPG, if it was on there.)
Symbols are already available. Check out the Starship Symbols book and associated CAD files here: http://travellerrpgblog.blogspot.com/2020/08/starship-symbols-book.html
Deleteas well as JPG images created by others here:
http://travellerrpgblog.blogspot.com/2020/06/starship-geomorph-images-and-virtual.html
and here:
http://travellerrpgblog.blogspot.com/2020/08/more-images.html
and here:
http://travellerrpgblog.blogspot.com/2020/08/even-more-images.html
Wish I had this back in the 1980s. What a great tool.
ReplyDeleteAny plans on a print ready D&D scale (1inch = 5 feet) version?
ReplyDeleteOr a buy a table top ready version?
I would like a hard copy for table top play.
Due to the size required and quantity of geomorphs in the book I don't have any plans to create hardcopies of that scale. I'd recommend taking the PDF to a reprographics company and have them print the pages you want scaled up 400%. At 1" = 5', a standard geomorph would be 20"x20". Hope this helps.
DeleteWow ! It's beautiful !!
ReplyDeleteThese are great! Thank you so much for making them available.
ReplyDelete