Tools for 3D star maps?

[Varulv]

I’m working on my own setting. The number of star systems are something similar to 2300AD so it should be possible to use a 3D star map, which I would relay like. To make a static 2D projection of the 3D map, like it is done in 2300AD is feasible. But it would be very neat to have an interactive computer model where it is possible to rotate and zoom. This could be a stand-alone application or an online tool.

Does anybody know of such tool?

 

[GabrielGABFonseca]

Two come to mind; the first is using actual 3D software such as Blender, which has the benefit of being free (my favourite price) but isn't intended for cartography.

The other that comes to mind is AstroSynthesis, which IS cartographical software but is most categorically not free.

 

[Geir]

Two come to mind; the first is using actual 3D software such as Blender, which has the benefit of being free (my favourite price) but isn't intended for cartography.

I have the worst problem groking their UI... but it's been a few years, so it might be worth a new look.

The other that comes to mind is AstroSynthesis, which IS cartographical software but is most categorically not free.

Not very clear from their website, but can you import system data files? (say, if created with the Worldbuilder's Handbook for a not at all random example)

 

[Terry Mixon]

Not very clear from their website, but can you import system data files? (say, if created with the Worldbuilder's Handbook for a not at all random example)

If only there were a spreadsheet to quickly generate and tweak that output. I know there is another program that is working on that, but it's too much of a pain in the butt using the WBH without a tool.

 

[agentwigggles]

This isnt said to get you to stop doing it, as world building is fun in its own right. This is giving information to reduce work if possible.
You dont need to make a star map 3d. It turns out galaxies arent desense enough that you lose too much accuarcy making a star map a 2d plane.

 

[flyteach]

I have the worst problem groking their UI... but it's been a few years, so it might be worth a new look.

Not very clear from their website, but can you import system data files? (say, if created with the Worldbuilder's Handbook for a not at all random example)

Geir, yes. One would have to format appropriately, but there are some files on the NBOS Exchange that have real and sci-fi data that can be imported and modified.

A good example of merging a 2d6 system with Astrosynthesis is https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/458032/kosmic-role-playing-game-core-rules. There are several supplements with world building worked out, but that doesn't mean one couldn't create another. That's the beauty of the system

 

[Arkathan]

For a game like Star Fleet Battles Campaign games you can get away with flat hexes and not lose accuracy, but at 3.26 light years that can break down rapidly. Now my players and I have no problem with a flat Charted Space Traveller, but there is a reason that the arms in GW 2300 were mapped separately. Flat works in one direction.
One look in the Elite Dangerous Galaxy map is quite sufficient to disabuse me of aspirations toward using an ACCURATE 3D map, no matter how much I WANT to geek out to using current star charts (I still have the original from 2300) to flesh out complete systems for a new campaign setting with the WHB.