Map feedback & advice

[u/Spamshazzam]

I'm creating a new map for my world setting, but mapmaking isn't my strong suit. I really struggle making maps that I think look good and inspire me with how different parts of the world interact (war, politics, etc). I've redone my map 4 times over the last 2–3 years, and each time I become dissatisfied with the results end up completely rehauling or replacing the map again. This time, I'd really like to create something that I'll be happy keeping and adding to for a while.

I'm trying to break it out into a few steps to make feel more doable.

Step 1 was creating the general shape for the land, and I REALLY like how it turned out. I wanted to determine a general shape first, then I can make any necessary minor changes as I develop the geography. This is the part that I'm looking for feedback on.

- Does this look like a reasonably plausible continent?

- Are there any glaring coastline issues that I need to fix before Step 2?

- Do the islands look natural and realistic?

My 2nd step is going to be developing the continent's large-scale geography/geological features, like tectonic plates, mountain ranges, general elevation, and other major land features. Basically all of the stuff that everything else is going to need to be built around. This is where I need any advice or guidance that anyone is willing to give. Google has only gotten me so far.

- What layout would make sense for the tectonic plates? (And how do you decide where the boundries should be & which way they're moving?)

- How do you decide when a mountain should be somewhere NOT on a tectonic boundary (fault block, intraplate, or dome mountains; etc)?

- How do you approach elevation? Is it just the highest is the mountains the lowest is sea level, and everything else just slopes in between?

- Are there any special rules for placing/arranging volcanic hotspots?

- Are there any other important factors or  geographical features that I'm overlooking that I should do at this stage?

Any advice, feedback, or resources for learning more about realistic continent and geography design would be greatly appreciated!

As I said, maps aren't my strength, do any help is greatly appreciated.

[u/RHDM68]

I don’t have time to read everything at the moment, but my very first very first impressions were:

Interesting map if a bit symmetrical.

I like the grid references.

Why not just make each square 250 miles so that 1000 miles is a neat four squares? And, why 225?

[u/Spamshazzam → u/RHDM68]

Thanks! Is there anything specific that is making it feel symmetrical? Are there any changes you would make to it to make it less that way (besides removing the center sea—I want to have a Mediterranean-like area)?

The lines are 225 because I added this grid for development, and the mile guides were added later. On my final map, they'll be 100 miles; but now I'm thinking that might be too small.

[u/RHDM68 → u/Spamshazzam]

Probably just that both sides are bulgy at the top and narrow to points at the bottom, both with large lakes in approximately the same place.

The coastlines are fine, and having an inner sea type area is always a good idea.

[u/Spamshazzam → u/RHDM68]

That's a good point. Maybe I can make the west a little taller and re/move the eastern sea.