Is there any other way to make a custom map other than the voxel editor? Also is it possible to make them map in MCedit than convert it into voxel format?

Well, I was told you can use Slab6 to create stuff, and import them into voxed. I'm not sure how well that would work though as I don't create maps like that.

You'd use a program called Poly2Vox to convert obj and 3ds 3D files into kvx format and import them into Voxed with the U key. You move the objects around in voxed with the numpad. Read the voxed.hlp file for details.

It'd also be possible to convert a Minecraft world file with this app: http://andy.wittrock.us/minecraft-to-obj-converter/
Mind you I haven't tried it (until now) and it is currently taking a helluva long time and a lot of CPU. Maybe I'll post back later if it works.

Note: Slab6 and Poly2Vox are located on this page: http://www.advsys.net/ken/download.htm

I've been mostly relying on slab6. However I'm starting to think about and experiment with other methods, including coding up some custom tools.

The main issue I'm encountering with Harbor is that I need to iterate much, much, faster over the buildings, which is gradually leading me in the direction of some kind of multi-layered tilemap approach, where I can describe the shoreline/underground, streets, bridges and blocks, and interiors/details with different scales and layers, and then compile out the result into one awesomely detailed, flawless vxl.

I think it won't be hard to do this - there are stock tilemap editors that could be adapted to the purpose. It'll just take a while to do, and my AoS/"real work" time has to be balanced...

Could someone make a tutorial for that minecraft converter? I can't seem to export my world into the editing software without some debug issue coming up.

+1 for layers. Importing slab6 objects in voxed makes them part of the map and can't be easily selected and manipulated afterwards. Also importing a bitmap heightmap means it can no longer be altered once objects are added.

^Is that layers program finished already? Where can I download it?

Have not started on the actual program. Still only exists in my head, and after thinking it over, I want to start with a custom solution for Harbor, and then generalize it. So my first pass will use a converter script for Tiled: http://www.mapeditor.org/ And then after learning the lessons from that process I will decide if a full editing app is necessary. (Right now I'm leaning towards "yes," there are plenty of cool things that could be done with an app.)

i like being one of the few ppl that can make maps, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside

Technically anybody can make them, not everybody has the patience. I have a ClockTown from Termina one ready for launch... I think.

Any one of the following is an alternative to voxed:
- Hex editor
- Unix w/ modified "cat"
- Your favorite C compiler, some time on your hands and some cleverness
- Your favorite python compiler, some time on your hands and some cleverness
- (etc for other languages)
- A steady hand, a magnetized needle, and an opened hard drive
- MS Paint, and then post it on here and get others to do it for you.