FAQ
General Questions
Q: What exactly is Toril GIS?
A: Toril GIS is not just a static map image. It’s a complete geospatial project for the free program QGIS. It consists of a QGIS project file (.qgz) that contains all the styles and settings, and a GeoPackage database (.gpkg) that holds all the geographic data (cities, rivers, borders, etc.). This allows you to interact with the map, turn layers on and off, and create your own custom views.
Q: Is this project free?
A: Yes, Toril GIS is completely free for personal, non-commercial use, in accordance with the Wizards of the Coast Fan Content Policy. For more details, please read our Usage Terms.
Q: Do I need to be a GIS expert to use this?
A: No! If you’ve ever used programs with layers like Photoshop or GIMP, you’ll find QGIS familiar. However, a basic understanding of the QGIS interface will be very helpful. Our First Setup guide provides links on how to start.
Technical Questions
Q: What software do I need?
A: All you need is the latest version of QGIS, a professional, free, and open-source Geographic Information System. You can download it for Windows, Mac, and Linux from the official website: qgis.org.
Content & Usage Questions
Q: Can I create a high-quality map of just one region (e.g., the Sword Coast) for my players?
A: Yes! That is one of the main goals of this project. You can use the Print Layout tool in QGIS to design, export, and print custom maps of any area at any scale. We have a guide here: Creating Printable Maps.
Q: Can I add my party’s home base or a new dungeon to the map?
A: Absolutely. You are encouraged to modify your personal copy of the project to fit your campaign. For instructions on how to do this safely, see the Adding Your Own Data page.
Licensing Questions
Q: Can I use a map I create for my paid Patreon, commercial stream, or DMs Guild product?
A: No. The project is governed by the otC Fan Content Policy, which is strictly non-commercial. Any maps or content you create with Toril GIS cannot be sold or placed behind a paywall. Please see our Usage Terms for a full explanation.