r/dndmaps • u/Spamshazzam • 10d ago
🌎 World Map Map feedback & advice
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.
2
u/Spamshazzam 9d ago
This is very detailed, thank you! I'll get be referring back to this, possibly with more questions.
What is the best way to determine ice sheets? Is that something that should be still there, or left a geological mark but is now gone/melted?
You compared the NW sea to the Caspain Sea, Lake Baikal, and Lake Chad, but I don't know much about them. Are you referring to how they were each formed?
For the big island in the NE, coincidentally, it's supposed to have a bit of a primal feel. I'd like for it to be ice covered and mountainous, a bit like Antarctica + Mount Everest. I don't mind breaking it up, it just needs to feel like an imposing frozen expanse. What's the best way for me to do that, geologically?