This app was mentioned in 14 comments, with an average of 2.29 upvotes
If you're on Android, check out the app Better Settlers. You can automatically load random maps based on optimal, balanced, and fair layouts. We use this app every time we play to come up with a map layout.
The fact that the City is placed 2nd in the rules is very intentional. The 1st locations are far too advantaged if they were Cities instead of Settlements. The benefit for placing the 1st Cities even if placed after the Settlements can very well outweigh the 1st Settlement advantage.
If you are worried about the unfair advantages tile arrangement is very important. I recommend Better Settlers
A. There are a few apps that allow for better placement of tiles and numbers, I prefer Better settlers on android, but there are a few out there.
Not that it is what the OP is looking for but since you mention it - there is an Android app version of Better Settlers which, of course, doesn't suffer from the Flash problem.
We use Better Settlers, and it turns out great every time.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nut.bettersettlers
Before I found this app, the few times we played randomly the games all turned out very unbalanced. Now each game is super close right up to the end.
I discovered the Better Settlers app (Android) pretty quickly after getting the game.
It makes setting up the board way easier and introduces variety whilst keeping the board balanced. It also includes settings to vary the ports, the number of players and add expansions.
I believe similar features are available at the website of the same name.
Tried that once or twice, and had really terrible games every time. Since then I've always used Better Settlers - perfect (and random) game layout every time.
You're looking for Better Settlers: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nut.bettersettlers&hl=en
I use this Android app which makes the setup more fair and balanced:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nut.bettersettlers
If you got an android phone at hand try
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nut.bettersettlers
This app better settler's for Android has the roll tracker tab built in. Been using it 10 years now ha
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nut.bettersettlers
If better settlers wont do it for you, youll have to programm one for yourself
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nut.bettersettlers
I've been using Better Settlers for years now and it always generates great boards https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nut.bettersettlers
Another option is to use an app like Better Settlers and let the players see which starting placements it recommends as best.