Where to Place Locations on a Fantasy Map
Once worldbuilders have a general sense of the various locations and buildings they want to include in their world, knowing where to put those locations on a map is the next step. While some sites may be obvious (lighthouses are usually near water) it may be useful to put some thought into where exactly buildings, structures, and other locations are likely to be situated.
| Cities |
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| Placement: Cities are often found in regions with access to resources, trade routes, or strategic locations. They are commonly situated near rivers, coasts, or major crossroads for transportation and trade purposes. |
| Locations: Trade routes, Rivers, Deltas, Coasts, Crossroads |
| Towns |
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| Placement: Towns can be found in a variety of regions, but they are often located near natural resources like forests, mines, or agricultural areas. They are usually smaller than cities and serve as centers for local commerce and administration. |
| Locations: Trade routes, Rivers, Mines, Coasts, Crossroads |
| Castles |
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| Placement: Castles are typically situated in defensible positions, such as on hilltops, cliffs, or near water bodies. They are commonly found in regions where military control and protection are essential, such as borderlands, contested territories, or frontiers. |
| Locations: Borders, Mountains, Contested Territories, Frontiers |
| Taverns & Inns |
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| Placement: Taverns and inns are establishments where travelers can rest, eat, and socialize. They are commonly found along major roads, in towns, or near important crossroads, providing services to weary adventurers and merchants. |
| Locations: Towns, Cities, Crossroads, Ferry Crossings |
| Watchtowers |
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| Placement: Watchtowers are positioned in areas with strategic importance, such as along borders, coastlines, or near mountain passes. They offer vantage points for surveillance and defense against potential threats, allowing for early warning and communication. |
| Locations: Borders, Frontiers, Hills, Mountains |
| Farms |
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| Placement: Farms are commonly located in fertile regions with suitable soil and access to water sources. These areas include plains, valleys, floodplains, or riverbanks that provide favorable conditions for agriculture and livestock rearing. |
| Locations: Deltas, Floodplains, Rivers |
| Temples |
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| Placement: Temples can be found in various locations depending on the specific beliefs and practices of the fantasy world. They might be situated in secluded or sacred areas, mountains, forests, or near natural landmarks that hold religious significance. |
| Locations: Holy Islands, Mountaintops, Oases, Sacred Groves |
| Lighthouses |
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| Placement: Lighthouses are typically found near locations where boats (or other fictional vehicles) may require aid in navigation. They may be found on the coast, on islands, near fishing villages or cities. |
| Locations: Coasts, Islands, Treacherous Waters, Fishing Villages, Cities, Trade Routes |
| Ruins |
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| Placement: Ruins are remnants of ancient civilizations or structures that have fallen into disrepair. They can be found in desolate landscapes, jungles, or underground caverns. Ruins often hold hidden treasures, secrets, or serve as the backdrop for quests and exploration. |
| Locations: Jungles, Caves, Deserts |
| Borders |
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| Placement: Borders mark the boundaries between different regions, kingdoms, or realms. They can be physical features such as mountain ranges, rivers, or forests, or they may be marked by fortified structures like walls or watchtowers. Borders can serve as points of tension, trade, or conflict in a fantasy world. |
| Locations: Rivers, Mountain Ranges, Coasts, Deserts |
