Discover the motivation behind creating Toril GIS, a comprehensive new map of the Forgotten Realms. This journey highlights what makes the project unique, its ambitious goals, and the challenges faced in constructing a vast digital map for this iconic setting.

Why Another Map?

When it comes to the cartography of the Forgotten Realms, fans and Dungeon Masters (DMs) alike have a vast library to reference. Official maps, however, are rarely updated and can be inconsistent, especially between different Dungeons & Dragons editions. Community-driven projects like LoreMaps Faerun, Lucis Inferno, Vectorized Realms or Atlas of Ice and Fire/Forgotten Realms, as well as various maps posted on Reddit, have all contributed tremendously to the better understanding of the Realms.

Yet, despite this impressive body of work, I, as a specialist in geoinformation systems, found myself wanting more—not more maps, per se, but a fundamentally different approach to mapping the Forgotten Realms.

What’s the Problem?

Here’s where I see the gaps:

  • Static Maps: Unlike GIS-generated maps, where data can be easily reused and styled differently without redrawing, static maps lock the data into a single representation.
  • No Shared Data: The data that underlies many of these maps isn’t often shared, making it difficult to modify or repurpose the information.
  • Language Limitations: Most maps are designed with English-speaking users in mind. For a setting as rich and diverse as the Forgotten Realms, I want maps that are multilingual.
  • Tracking Origins: The Forgotten Realms is known for its contradictory maps across editions and sources. It would be invaluable to track the origin and context of each feature on a map to give users clarity and confidence in their references.
  • Measurement Challenges: Without a defined coordinate reference system (CRS), it’s impossible to accurately measure distances or areas in many of these maps.
  • Interactive Exploration: Interactive maps based on GIS data offer the best way to explore the Realms. Unfortunately, available web maps are limited in terms of territory coverage, data completeness, and other critical elements.
  • Proprietary GIS Software: Some creators use proprietary GIS software, which limits accessibility and collaboration.

The Toril GIS Solution

Considering these challenges, I decided to create the Toril GIS project. The goal is simple: to build a functional, easy-to-use geospatial database for the Forgotten Realms. Using free and open-source software like QGIS, I’m digitizing maps and lore to provide a flexible, powerful mapping solution that any DM or player can leverage.

What Makes Toril GIS Different?

  • Dynamic Data Reuse: By storing data in a GIS system, you only need to create it once. You can experiment endlessly with new styles, labels, and projections—all using the same data.
  • Open Data Sharing: The data behind Toril GIS is meant to be shared. Users can access, modify, and even expand upon it.
  • Multilingual Support: Maps can support multiple languages, helping to make the Realms accessible to a broader audience.
  • Source Tracking: Each map feature can be traced back to its source, giving users insight into its context and helping resolve eventual map inconsistencies.
  • Accurate Measurements: With a defined CRS, Toril GIS allows for precise distance and area calculations.
  • Interactive Exploration: Users can create interactive web maps, 3D models, and other derivative products, allowing for a deeper and more immersive exploration of the Forgotten Realms.

Conclusion

The Toril GIS project is more than just another map—it’s a geospatial foundation for exploring and experiencing the Forgotten Realms like never before. Whether you’re a DM looking to bring your campaign to life, a player who loves getting lost in the details, or simply a fan of beautifully mapped worlds, I invite you to join me on this adventure.