I like to plan out my forge maps when before I forge/if I can't get to my xbox at the moment. Is there any way I could find an online, free tool that lets me plan out, using the grid, a map on Sandbox? I think I ran across something like that on Bungie.net, but I'm not sure if new maps are on there, and it has a budget while I use the glitch. I was thinking maybe I could just use Microsoft Visio, but it won't work on my computer anymore.
I believe there are also plans to make a sandbox designer for the site, just like the foundry designer. I don't know where that went though because I was off of here for a month or two when sandbox came out. I don't think Foundry Designer is even accessible in the top bar anymore.
Other than sketching or drafting, there is an easy way to plan your maps. As mentioned, it is Google Sketchup. Download the program and the components. Ot takes a while to get used to but is worth it. YouTube - Phreakie's Guide to Forging in Sketchup Here is everything you need.
I use this site HERE! It has free graph paper that you can customize your self. For instance, you can have it generate a 32/32 sheet for the crypt. Then you can draw it out one block at a time. The first time that you have to delete a section of your map makes this a worth while investment in the future. I use color pencils which I've developed my own color code for different things like map boarders and types of objects that would appear simular on a 2D space. I also use separate sheets to represent different levels. This aids in keeping things simple. It's also a lot more convenient than relying on a pc, as I can doodle maps in a coffee shop, or what ever. I can design a full map in less than 30 minutes on graph paper. Because the easy to see grid helps me do the math. If your planning a huge map. You should use a calculator as well. You don't need to know advanced formulas. Third grade multiplication will work fine. If a calculator is necessary, I design only one room per sheet. I write the total budget used for the room on the sheet, and then add it all up. If I find myself over budget, I can then look over the rooms, and edit the most expendable without messing up the scale of the map. The best part is that it keeps your map in scale at all times. Graph paper is the way to go. This technique is called storyboarding and is used by all professionals. It's not as time consuming as even the most basic computer program. Remember, get your design in 2D, if it's going to work, then design in 3D(which I skip because the forge is designing in 3D, so 15-30 minutes of graph paper is all I need).