I like Excel spreadsheets. I use the Djedi Desirability Calculator's glyphs, overlayed on Nero Would's maps. The desirability calculator can bug out on modern versions of Excel but the glyphs are nice looking and simple enough.
I've tried drawing on graph paper but there is too much crossing out and redrawing. And I dont like blank saves because when I play the map proper, that'd involve too much saving and loading going back to my test maps trying to remember what the layout was. I would be going back and forth 2 or 3 times just trying to make sure a left turn in a dock area isn't 1 tile too long or too short.
With 2 monitors, I can pre-plan using the Excel spreadsheets and have them open at the same time I test various designs or while playing the game proper.
But as with anything in this game, the most important thing is to play around and find out what suits you best.
Eagles may soar, but weasels do not get sucked into jet engines
Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, Proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too