This procedure is in flux right now, as it is the first time I have done this... However, This should also serve as a log for all of my efforts so here goes.

1. I wanted to model a map which would be pretty popular, so I selected the battle of Antietam. I guess the place doesn't really matter too much, as long as it is interesting to you, then it will mean more when you get it done.
2. I went out to dogpile to see if someone had already hexed up a map of the battle. I could not find one, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. I then went to the terraserver and searched on "antietam". I got right to the map.
3. After a lot of calculating and thinking, I finally nailed the scale down to one which worked for my particular purpose, Dirtside II. This is the 4m (.5km or .25mi) scale which equates to approximately the correct DSII scale.
4. I printed three maps, because one large map was not enough to fill a page. I stuck them together and made a photocopy just dark enough to see everything. Once that was done, I copied the hex paper onto transparency film.
5. That done, I layed the hex paper over the map and began to trace contour lines and roads, and streams in a general and fairly loose fashion.
   • remember that you have to keep the trace lines in the middle of the hexsides so you can transfer it to HTBS hexes.
   These two map images are scanned at 50% to save disk space and speed of download, this means that the resolution is lousy, but this gives a rough example of what keeping the trace lines in the middle of the hex. A more detailed example is here.
   • 
   • You can tell where I attempted to highlight the various terrain features which ended up on both maps. (Click the thumbnail to load the bigger version)
6. I finally counted out each of the hexes I needed and began to cut them from 1 in. styrofoam (polystyrene, bead board, specifically, NOT extruded PS, which is pink or blue, rather the white stuff because it is cheaper and the scroll saw cuts them cleaner than the utility knife). I did not use a hot knife because 1, I do not have one, and 2, it was winter and it melting styrofoam really stinks.
7. I am now at 26 hexes and a bunch of hills...Hopefully before the end of February, 2001, they'll be all done...