This is a mirrored repository from my Github called “Awesome Worldbuilding”. Go check it out. Feel free to contribute!
The Tools presented here are predominately open source and free to use. I do not cover tools like ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Draw.
Geo-Information Software
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)
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GeoDa
- Free and open source software tool that serves as an introduction to spatial data science.
- GeoDa - An Introduction to Spatial Data Science | GeoDa
Map Projections
Various tools to understand Map Projections.
- Geographic projections
- Interactive
- Worldmap Generator
- Interactive
- Compare Selected Map Projections
- Cartography Guide - Map Projections
Worldmap Explorers
Various interactive and/or realtime global explorers for various aspects of earths physique.
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earth :: a global map of wind, weather, and ocean conditions
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- Seismograms in Real Time from Seismic Stations
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- Transforms complex geospatial data into stunning visual narratives that reveal the hidden patterns of our world.
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- Explore the paleontological wonders of our earth - fossils!
Contry Specific Explorers
Look at the countries of the world
Astronomical Explorers
Look at the skies.
- Our Solar System
Other Scientific Explorers
Chemistry, Biology and other sciences.
- Periodic Table - Ptable
- OneZoom: biota
- Interactive Explorer of the evolutionary tree of life
World Generation - Web based
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
World Generation - Standalone Softare
Worldmap Generation as standalone software.
Layout and Graphics
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.
Blogs, Wikis and Channels
I learned a ton of useful stuff from these folks.
Worldbuilding
Knowledge about how the world works
- Professor Dave explains
- Geology, Zoology, Biology, History, and much, much more…
- Basics of Geophysics
- Profantasy’s Map-Making Journal » Blog Archive » The Rules of Rivers
- chemguide: helping you to understand Chemistry - Main Menu
- Home - GIS Geography