An opinionated list of awesome tools and ressources to be utilized in the worldbuilding process.
The Tools presented here are predominately open source and free to use. I do not cover tools like ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Draw.
Software to work with maps, climate data and other types of geospatial data. Transformative and/or creative!
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GProjector
- Transforms an input map image into any of about 200 global and regional map projections.
- NASA GISS: G.Projector — Map Projections
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GPlates
- A plate tectonics program. Manipulate reconstructions of geological and paleogeographic features through geological time. Draw shapes on a sphere.
- GPlates
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GDAL
- GDAL is a translator library for raster and vector geospatial data formats.
- GDAL — GDAL documentation
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QGis
- Spatial visualization and decision-making tools for everyone.
- Spatial without Compromise · QGIS Web Site
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PlaSim & ExoPlaSim
- Exoplanet Planet Simulator (PlaSim extended for different planet types (including tidally-locked) and evolution on geological timescales--glaciers and carbon cycle).
- GitHub - HartmutBorth/PLASIM: Gerneral Circulation Models Planet Simulator (PlaSim) and PUMA
- GitHub - alphaparrot/ExoPlaSim: Exoplanet Planet Simulator (PlaSim extended for different planet types (including tidally-locked) and evolution on geological timescales--glaciers and carbon cycle)
Various tools to understand Map Projections.
- Geographic projections
- Interactive
- Worldmap Generator
- Interactive
- Compare Selected Map Projections
- Cartography Guide - Map Projections
Various interactive and/or realtime global explorers for various aspects of earths physique.
- Ecoregions 2017 ©
- World Wide Daily Sea Surface Temperatures Map
- Climate Maps - Interactive global monthly climate maps
- earth :: a global map of wind, weather, and ocean conditions
- Nimbo Earth Online - Explore Earth over time
- World Wide Lightning Location Network
- Equal Earth Wall Map - Home
- Global Ecosystem Typology
Worldmap Generation in your browser.
- Azgaar's Fantasy Map Generator v1.97.05
- Planet Map Generator
- Medieval Fantasy City Generator by watabou
- Generating fantasy maps
- Planet Map Generator
Worldmap Generation as standalone software.
How to put your world in a pretty frame with text underneath.
- Inkscape
- A Free and open source vector graphics editor.
- Inkscape - Draw Freely. | Inkscape
- Blender
- Open Source 3D modelling and animation.
- Download — Blender
- Scribus
- Open Source publishing and layouting.
- Scribus – Open Source Desktop Publishing
- Krita
- Krita is a professional FREE and open source painting program.
- Krita | Digital Painting. Creative Freedom.
Tools for the story side of a world - timelines, characters, and idea association.
- LingKuang
- Open-source (GPL-3.0) worldbuilding workbench: timeline graph with story ranges (AE-workflow style focus), random character generator, and AI-assisted idea association map. Electron-based, liminal-space aesthetics.
- GitHub - orvyn-glitch/lingkuang
I learned a ton of useful stuff from these folks.
- Atomic Rockets - Atomic Rockets
- Worldbuilding Pasta
- Biblaridion Youtube
- Artifexian
- Worldbuilding Guide — Madeline James Writes
- Professor Dave explains
- Geology, Zoology, Biology, History, and much, much more...
- Basics of Geophysics