Here is a quick guide to designing tables for scenarios using mapsfrom various sources.

Step 1. Obtain a scale map of the area of interest.

The map below is a section taken from the excellent maps producedby Bill Owen in the USA. These maps are based on a Michelin Touringmap from 1947 and cover the British / Canadian beaches and Omahasector. Each 5/8 " hex represents 1 kilometre. For more informationsee the links page on my main page or click here for a direct link toBill's D-DayCampaign Map Series page.

Step 2. Overlay with a hex or grid system to match yourtable.

Bill also produces a blank 5/8" hex. I made a OHT template tomatch my Geo-Hex table layout and enlarged a section from Bill's map(200%). Although Rapid Fire does not have a stated ground scale I use1"=approximately 40 metres. This makes my Geo-Hexes approximately 500metres across. I then overlay this on the enlarged section trying toline up roads etc in a Geo-Hex fashion.

Step 3. Produce a sketch map of the relevant features.

Finally I produce a sketch map modifying / simplifying terrain tomatch my Geo-Hex. The draft scenario map below is from my nextplanned game - the Canadian attack on Franqueville near Caen on 7thJune, 1944.

This process can be used to produce any table layout froman historical map.