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EDIT: I've updated the map since my original post so the files are arranged a little bit differently and there's also some new features. See later posts for details.

I found the in-game map of Vvardenfell quite inconvenient as the scale was difficult to read, you could only see in detail the area you were currently in, and many locations are not marked on the world-scale map. Like a true RPGer, then, I took to pen-and-paper to record locations and what was in them. All I needed was a printed map for me to mark discovered locations on - but no such map existed. So, I combined the information from several existing fan-made maps to construct my own on GIMP.

This map shows all the shorelines (which includes the cantons of Vivec, but not Molag Mar), region borders and names, lava pools and paths in Vvardenfell and Solstheim. I created it as one huge map, but so that I could print it on A4, I then split it up into 11 sheets plus an index. I use it by pencilling in X marks where a location is and then writing the name of the location next to the X, or, if there isn't room, I write the name to the side and draw an arrow to the X. Then I may choose to write an entry about the location on a separate sheet of paper and include in the description the index of which sheet I can find the location on my map. For example, I might mark Dagon Fel on sheet 2, which covers Sheogorad, and then on my locations list, add "Dagon Fel (2): boat services to Sadrith Mora ..." and continue my description.

All these maps are on my dropbox. At the top-level, you'll find two PNGs of the whole map - one at maximum resolution, the other at a slightly scaled-down resolution - and an XCF of the whole map. If you want to edit my map, eg. if you can think of a way to put contour lines on it, then open that XCF in GIMP 2. It has layers for all the different layers of data on the map, and also has lots of stuff on the Paths tab - but be warned about serious lag if you decide to venture there. In the A4 sheets folder, you'll find PNGs of all 11 sheets and an index, plus 2 alternative XCFs for the index.

I have found that these maps, besides the extra convenience, really add another layer of depth and excitement to my play experience. They really allow me to feel as if I am the one doing the exploring, not the computer algorithm auto-generating my map for me. I even try to wholly free myself from the game's magic GPS to give even more of a sense of independent exploration. I hope there are some other people out there, either experiencing Morrowind for the first time or wanting to revisit it from another angle, who would also appreciate these maps, so I've uploaded them here. Happy travels!

New and updated! Or it will be once it's finished uploading. Same link. There is now one big map at the root directory, now with contours! And inside, you'll find it split into an index and 11 sheets, as before, but with the aforementioned contours and a co-ordinates grid. It's not Ordnance Survey, but it's fit for purpose. Again, if you have any Qs let me know.

Aak! I uploaded all those sheets with loads of missing information! Fixed now.

These are fantastic. I've recently started up a DnD campaign set in Morrowind and have been looking for a way to give my players maps without all of the information filled in, but is also pretty well detailed. Your work fills that spot beautifully.

Glad to be of use!

Looks awesome. Thanks for sharing!

So this may seem like silly question, but I want to make sure I get it right for my players. I'm not super familiar with contour maps, but being familiar with Morrowind, I'm able to figure some parts of it out, but how exactly do I read the lines? Each "ring" or "enclosed area" basically represents another layer of elevation, yeah? I'm using some of the foyadas as references because I know where they start and end, and that logic seems to be holding true, but is there anything else I should know about understanding and reading the map?

scribbane wrote:[H]ow exactly do I read the lines? Each "ring" or "enclosed area" basically represents another layer of elevation, yeah?

That's pretty much it in a nutshell. Each line on a contour map traces land of equal elevation. So, for example, all points on the 100-foot contour line lie at an elevation 100 feet above the reference datum (usually sea level), all points on the 200-foot contour line lie at 200 feet elevation, and so on.

The land in the area between two lines will lie at some elevation greater than the lower contour height and less than the higher contour height. For example, a point halfway between the 100-foot and 200-foot contour lines could be assumed to lie at an elevation of 150 feet. (Mind you, the point could also lie at 120 feet or 180 feet; the slope between two contour lines is not necessarily uniform. There could even be a dip in there somewhere. The smaller the contour interval, the more detail will show.)

The spacing between contour lines will give you an indication of how steeply the ground rises: contour lines spaced wide apart indicate gently-sloping ground, while close-spaced contour lines indicate steep ground. You can use the map's horizontal scale to get an idea of the actual slope. For example, a 100-foot horizontal distance between the 100-foot and 200-foot contour lines would indicate a ground slope angle of 45º (fairly steep terrain. Again, this is in general).

I hope this (admittedly rather simple) explanation clarifies things and helps you out.

Wolfborn explained that pretty well. When it comes to my map, because of the way I made it - basically the contours are a bit crap. Contour lines are supposed to all make complete rings, but many of mine are just lines with loose ends. And there's no indication of the elevation at any point on any contour line (except sea level). So they're a bit ugly.

Which doesn't mean they're useless, or I obviously wouldn't have put them in. Navigating in the game, I found very often there was a lack of landmarks, but with addition of contour maps, I can find where I am using hilltops, valleys, slopes and foyadas as references. In your D&D game, you're not trying to navigate as such, but they can still give your players a rough idea of the shape of the land.

Thanks both for clarifying that, and building on the general idea I had to begin with. And BiggJobag, they will serve my players immensely well, since none of them have even seen gameplay of Morrowind (and I've expressly forbidden them from looking it up, much as I want them to give it a go haha). It's one thing for me to say that they are travelling through a hilly region and can see mountains in the distance, and try to indicate size and scale, and another to say the same thing, except now they can use the map and gain a rough idea. A combination of my description, your map, and their own imaginations is going to be great in giving them a sense of scale.

I have to be honest, when I first saw all the contours on the map, I was a little put off because I thought they wouldn't understand it, but I think it was because I didn't understand it fully haha. Tomorrow is our next session, and if they play their cards right, they will be given the map. I'll be sure to let you know how they react to it.

These are great! I am very tempted to play my next character as you suggest--no automap, only this. And I like that other than cities they do not mark any locations; I'll make my own notations as I play.

Thanks for making these

These maps are just gorgeous. And I did exactly as stated earlier: new character, no automap! I have printed out a copy of each sheet and keep them in a folder to flip through and write notes on. The only annoyance (and this is on me) is that I have trouble when I have to go from one sheet to another; reorienting means referencing back to the index image you thankfully provided. If I had more disposable income, I would print out a poster-sized version of the whole map, tack it to the wall, and use it instead of the individual sheets. But other than my own failings at usability they look wonderful--and professional, too! Thank you for marking the main roads--that is a real life saver.

Got lost once, but luckily found a landmark I could recognize. And twice thought I was on one road only to determine I was off a bit. But marking the locations I find myself is very satisfying. I often have trouble determining whether a line means going uphill or downhill, but I have the same issue with real topographical maps.


My spouse is greatly amused at this entire endeavor. Thanks!

Those are really great!
Any chances for similar Mainland maps for Tamriel Rebuilt mod?

Hello, sorry for inactivity.

Jormungandr, I'm very pleased you're giving it a go! It's a shame about the contour lines. I would have loved to have marked some elevations to make it more clear which way the gradient was, but it wasn't feasible. As for switching between sheets, yeah, it's an unavoidable annoyance, but hopefully the overlap between sheets should make that a bit easier.

Christoff - sorry mate, not a chance! XD