NationStates Jolt Archive


Help w/ Map

No endorse
12-02-2005, 04:28
I'm confused and need a bit of *BASIC/newbie* help with mapping out my country.
What graphics programs do people use?
What are some things to keep in mind?
How would you account for massive population confined in such an area?
etc etc ad nauseum
Ramissle
12-02-2005, 04:33
I use paint to make my maps, but thats just me. I'd say keep in mind that a lot of people will look at your map, and that they may question some things about it. (for example, "Why do you have 1000 foot cliffs around it?")
I say keep it simple, and don't worry too much about the population, thats what huge cities are for. I would be happy to make a map for you if you'ld like.
No endorse
12-02-2005, 04:52
Thanks! I'll try to make one on my own first though...

Any general shapes to keep in mind for the layout?
Tiborita
12-02-2005, 06:34
What graphics programs do people use?
Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.I use Illustrator to trace a map or maps. Then I tweak it to get the shape I want. Then I throw it in Photoshop and get the color right. I go back into Illustrator to make rivers or whatever else I need and then throw that into Photoshop.

If you don't have access to Photoshop, check out the GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/). It's free, and much better then toying around with MS Paint.



What are some things to keep in mind?
Any general shapes to keep in mind for the layout?
Look at real maps. Look how their coast lines appear. Look at how their rivers flow.

Take your time, and be patient. A good looking map will not come from a quick 5 minute job.



How would you account for massive population confined in such an area?
There are a few ways you could do this. Probably, the easiest, would be assigning different symbols to cities with different populations to represent a metropolitan area. For example, instead of just having a dot for a city, have a dot with a circle to represent an area with many millions, a circle to represent an area with around a million, and a dot to represent an area with several hundred thousand.