About this mod
This mod changes default 3D Skyrim map to a flat one.
- Requirements
- Permissions and credits
-
Translations
- Spanish
- Russian
- Mandarin
- German
- French
- Changelogs
- Donations
Framework and standalone maps for it are fully compatible with SE (1.5.97), AE (1.6+), and GOG Edition. Pick your version of Skyrim during FOMOD installation for a proper markers flattening.
FOMOD installer includes all fixes, compatibility patches and Flat Map Markers plugin for all versions. You don't need to install anything else from Optional/Misc files unless you need very specific things and you know what you are doing.
Framework FOMOD bundled with very few maps in it. You will most likely want to complement basic FWMF with standalone maps. Thumbnails and links to them are below.
This mod improves ideas from older flat map designs (by Chesko, Penguin, Warburg, Duncanlarsen1, Nushu, deland) to create stable, clean, strictly flat paper-like maps. Topographical Map of Skyrim by Timothy Cook was an inspiration for this framework, but countless custom fantasy-themed maps are available now.
Maps for a framework cover not only mainland Skyrim, but many smaller regional vanilla worldspaces, game's DLCs and quest/landmass mods.
Maps included in FOMOD installer:
- Unmarked Clean - with no handmade markers for those who prefer less spoilers,
- Marked Clean - with all handmade markers and names of geographical locations,
- Marked Old Map - same as Marked but with old paper vibes,
- Geology Survey Map - 4K map stylized to look like 1890x topographic map with ore veins and mines main ore marked.
- Skyrim Paper Map by Aesoterik for FWMF
- Satellite Skyrim Map for FWMF
- Unmarked Old - with no handmade markers for those who prefer less spoilers but on old paper.
Standalone maps for vanilla areas (Skyrim, Solstheim and regions), with links to the mods:
- Paper Skyrim and Solstheim World Maps by Mirhayasu
- Drath Samid's Skyrim World Map
- Paper Blackreach Map for FWMF
- Paper Sovngarde Map for FWMF
- Paper Forgotten Vale map for FWMF
- Immersive Paper Map (3rd Edition) By CKW25
- Paper Soul Cairn Map for FWMF
- Dayspring Canyon Paper Map for FWMF
- Markarth Paper Map by Mirhayasu for FWMF
- Skyrim Paper Map by Caro Tuts for FWMF
- Skyrim and Solstheim Paper Maps by Geevee for FWMF
- Traditional (8K) Skyrim and Solstheim Paper Maps for FWMF
- Skuldafn Paper Map for FWMF
- Skyrim Paper Map - Oblivion Elven Style
- Deepwood Vale Paper Map for FWMF
- Skyrim Paper Map by FreelanceCartography for FWMF
- Updates to various maps for FWMF
- Apocrypha Paper Map for FWMF
- Skyrim Solstheim Ukrainian Paper Maps by BokuHaru for FWMF
- FWMF Topographic Map of Solstheim and Volkihar
- Skyrim Paper Map by FreelanceCartography (2nd Edition) for FWMF
- Skuldafn Paper Map for FWMF by Limon
Standalone Skyrim maps (modded areas), with links to the mods:
- All-in-one Duncan's Paper Maps for FWMF (Falskaar, Beyond Bruma, The Grey Cowl, Wyrmstooth and Solstheim)
- Paper Darkend Map for FWMF
- Paper Coldharbour Map for VIGILANT
- Beyond Skyrim Bruma Paper Map by Mirhayasu for FWMF
- Midwood Isle Paper Map for FWMF
- Paper Akavir Map for FWMF
- Extended Cut - Saints and Seducers Paper Map for FWMF
- Kirkmore Paper Map by Strigun for FWMF
- Beyond Reach Paper Map for FWMF
- Siege at Icemoth Paper Map for FWMF
- Vigilant Paper Map for FWMF by Limon
- Wyrmstooth Paper Map for FWMF by Limon
- Solstheim and Baan Malur Paper Map for FWMF
- Olenveld Paper Map for FWMF by Limon
Requirements
- SKSE64 - mandatory
- Address Library for SKSE Plugins - mandtatory
- SkyUI - optional, only if MCM installed
- MCM Helper - optional, only if MCM installed
Installation & Unistallation
For proper framework and its maps work place FWMF plugins dead last in plugin load order and as low as possible (at least below LODs outputs) at mod load order.
If using with Community Shaders and Screen Space GI, make sure to open Screen Space GI settings (End button) and
either 1) set Quality to AO Only and save changes.
or 2) disable Indirect Lighting in Toggles and save changes.
For Vortex users (auto-sorting disabled): Go to plugins. Click Manage Groups, right click then Add Group. You can call it Maps. Then hold CTRL and from the last group click and connect to Maps. Close. Double click on the "Flat World Map Framework..." area (not on the name). Change group to Maps, then click on Sort Now In the top orange bar. If you sort the plugins by load order, you can check if it moved the Map plugin.
For Vortex/LOOT users: FWMF and compatible maps included in LOOT's masterlist now. Sorting with LOOT should place FWMF mods low enough to make them work properly. Mind please, LOOT will place them before DynDOLOD/Occlusion plugins, so you will need to re-run DynDOLOD now and after every FWMF update.
For MO2 users: after installing FWMF FOMOD and placing them dead last additionally check Overwrite folder if it has any plugins that could possible overwrite framework records.
Some details and suggestion: generating LODs without FWMF mods installed and putting FWMF bunch below DynDOLOD in plugin LO allows you avoid LODs regenerating after every FWMF update. FWMF affects LOD32 only, it won't break DynDOLOD work. Advised plugin LO:
- Dyndolod.
- Occlusions.
- FWMF package of choice.
- Patches/fixes (for Water for ENB, Weather/Lighting, RW2 etc, but not for Lux).
- Additional FWMF maps (alternative Skyrim map, Blackreach, Sovngarde, Forgotten Vale etc).
- Lux Patch (from FWMF).
You still can stick to standard DynDOLOD generation procedure with MO2 - generate outputs with FWMF on and place DynDOLOD last in plugin LO, it will properly allow FWMF worldspace records win everything else and maps will be working fine. You still need to make sure LOD32s from FWMF winning LOD32 generated by lodgen in mods list. Placing lodgen output higher than FWFM in mod order should be enough in most cases, if it's not - resolve conflict by your mod manager means. Also mind, please, that this way you will need to re-run DynDOLOD every time FWMF gets an update.
To uninstall just uncheck FWMF and its additional maps in your list of mods. In rare cases you may possibly need to make a clean save or restart mod manager.
If you previously used some other map mods check out skyrim.ini for uLockedTerrainLOD value. If you don't have that string or value is 32, you are fine, otherwise change it to 32 (16 there will try to load LOD 16 terrain meshes making paper map invisible).
For Fantasy Paper Maps package please pick Skyrim + Solstheim markers whitelisting at least (and additionally install any Solstheim map available for FWMF).
If Lux or Water for ENB being used, be sure to install their patches for FWMF (either from FWMF FOMOD, or LUX/Water for ENB FOMODs) and put plugins after main FWMF plugin.
Do not use setfog command in autoexec, it will affect map as well.
Its highly recommended to install Baka World Map FOV and set world map FOV in FOMOD or manually in config up to your screen: 110 for 16:10, 105 for 16:9 and 90 for UW (21:9). Put Baka World Map FOV above FWMF in mod load order.
Tuning
Dedicated ini file for tuning is inside mod archive. Every option paired with comment to let enthusiasts fine tuning of map control.
Note for gamepad users: map zoom in and zoom out by default is extremely slow, modify values fMapZoomMouseSpeed (recommended is 10) or fMapWorldZoomSpeed (recommended is 0.7-0.8) to fix issue. First value affect mouse wheel, second value affects both (kudos to VaDoncChier).
Since version 1.85 MCM and setting loader added. Not all settings from config file are presented in MCM, only those are safe to tune, therefore even if you use MCM you still need .ini config file. All MCM settings are documented. If you are going to use any Bruma paper map, you need to check in Vertical Look option for proper map work. But keep in mind, controller right thumbstick won't work properly with this option. If you rely on it, leave minimal allowed inclination in MCM.
Compatibility
Skyrim SE/AE/GOG AE fully compatible,
Baka World Map FOV compatible and suggested,
CoMAP fully compatible,
EVLaS compatible (patch included in FWMF FOMOD),
Water for ENB compatible (patch included in FWMF FOMOD and WENB FOMOD, choose one),
All popular weather mods compatible (patches included),
xLODgen and DynDOLOD compatible (with FWMF being last or re-generating LODs after FWMF updates if Dyndolod last),
Lux fully compatible with a patch (included in Lux FOMOD and FWMF FOMOD, choose one),
Compass Navigation Overhaul - compatible (custom destination marker distance meter will show wrong numbers tho),
Realistic Water Two - compatible with patch (included in FWMF FOMOD),
Real Clouds - compatible (keep FWMF lower in load order),
Community Shaders - compatible (use lighting patch for CS/Vanilla HDR in FOMOD),
KreatE - compatible,
Seasons of Skyrim compatible (patch included), be sure to pick this option before generation:

Weather overhauls requiring patch (included in FOMOD): Vivid Weathers, Azurite Weathers I, Aequinoctium, NAT I.
Doesn't require patch: Obisidian Weathers, Cathedral Weathers, Dolomite Weathers, RAID Weathers, Rustic Weathers, Climates of Tamriel, Northern Saga, Mythical Ages, Wander, Haze Weathers, Skies Above Weathers, NAT II and NAT III, Picta Realis, Faithful Weathers, Azurite Weathers II.
Unique Map Weather - compatible (but no point to use with FWMF),
Immersive Music - not compatible right now,
Universal Fog Remover (skse plugin) - not compatible,
Compatibility with other map mods not guaranteed. You may encounter lighting, camera, edge of the map etc issues.
Featuring in Nexus collections, Wabbajack and autonomous modlists
OCM
Vagabond
Nocturnia
Arisen
Fahluaan
Nolvus Ascension
Wunduniik
Do Not Go Gentle
Path of the Dovahkiin
Krahven
Masterstroke
Living Skyrim
Tales from the Northern Lands
Tsukiro
Lost Legacy
Aldrnari
Constellations - A true RPG
Halcyon
Project Skyrim
Nordic Souls
ElmoRim
Moonshadow
Silent Skyrim
Gate To Sovngarde
LoreRim
Fable Lore
Halls of Sovngarde
Thuldor's Skyrim
Beowulf
N.Y.A
Eldergleam
Zenithar's Forge
Apostasy
Ghoulified Reality
Tuxborn
Recommended Mods
Atlas Map Markers - Updated with MCM works perfect and smaller markers make map more readable. Just be sure to put Atlas' .esp before Topographic Map in load order. DLC areas may show markers out of Skyrim border - disable those in Atlas MCM.
FWMF maps also get along with most UI overhauls. Beside basic SKY UI, I highly recommend Dear Diary UI.
Those markers sets will look good on most FWMF maps:
Custom Map Markers for Traditional Skyrim and Solstheim Paper Maps
Custom Map Markers for Paper Maps by Mirhayasu
Outline Map Markers
Vibrant Map Markers
FAQ
- I play with (vanilla/modded) 3D map, why do I need this?
- I play with 2D map, why do I need this?
- Is it compatible with X?
- All I see in map menu is blue/purple blank texture instead of map, send help!
- I have version 1.3x-1.4x, map inclined near edge map POIs/I see weird artifacts/map way too zoomed in/I see clouds only, I cant go to map from Journal, what should I do?
- I have version 1.6x+, issue persists, what do?
- Where I can change settings for camera control with keyboard/mouse/gamepad?
For mod authors
Its very easy to create your own map for this framework. Basic knowledge of Photoshop/GIMP and, in some cases, Inkscape/Wonderdraft will be enough. Quick guide on creating map can be found here and you can always ask us a question in Discord.
Additional Materials
You can find very detailed Skyrim Satellite Map in JPG format (beware, 30720x21760) in Misc Files. It is compiled from UESP Satellite Map sources.
Known Issues
Inclined map when menu launched in edge skyrim locations.
Some inconsistency in transition between Journal and Main menus
Blank texture instead of map
Slightly misplaced elevation lines on 1.6x topo maps
possible map misalignment with seasonal LODs
TO-DO
Config with comments
Guide for mapmakers
FAQ
Duncan's maps port
FOMOD
ESLification
MCM
Blackreach, Sovngarde, Soul Cairn, Forgotten Vale, Deepwood Vale, Dayspring Canyon, Skuldafn, Apochypha, Markarth maps
Midwood Isle, Darkend, Wyrmstooth, Beyond Reach, Vigilant, Icemoth, Kirkmore, ECSS, Bruma maps
Olenveld, Unslaad, Vominheim, Chanterelle maps
Credits
This mod brings together hard work of Tim Cook, creator of topographical map of Skyrim and some of the ideas of IcePenguin/Chesko and Warburg/Duncanlarsen1 about flat map design. Also credits to underthesky and Fudgyduff for their skse plugins that flatten map markers and nushu and deland for their skyrim wordlspace meshes. Kudos to daveh for original UESP map tiles used in Satellite Maps. Please support him and UESP any way you see fit. All credits for default map in Fantasy Paper Maps package belong to Aesoterik. You can find his other works on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CWJm5VWstVD/
Credits to MaskedRPGFan for MCM and setting loader.
Special thanks for testing and suggestions to: dragonknightvita, hazarduss, stevethecoala, ghoulified02, yermudr, Ckw25, AnxiousHairball, Alfadhirhaiti, jinxlajoker, zys52712 and RecedingMouse7.