r/mapmaking

I have no clue how to make the area that the pencil points to look natural or even good I want to make it a lake

We drew this map a few years ago, now that I look at it with a fresher pair of eyes, I believe it needs more farmland. But I like how it turned out.

Our state records office has just launched a fantastic online database for historical maps that have been rectified over modern maps, so that all the key landscape reference points line up correctly. I'm really excited by this, because I have a strong interest in understanding what the landscape where I live might have looked like at the time of colonisation, and these old maps offer some beautiful clues.

I have a project in mind and would like to draw my own map using the information contained in the local historical maps as a reference. Ideally, I'm hoping I can import the rectified maps into a mapping software so I can flick between the layers easily, and add my own layers to draw over the top (in a bit of an artistic way, not just scribbly MS Paint-esque lines that some mapping tools use).

However, I'm finding it quite difficult to figure out how to do this! I'm totally new to mapping and am trying to figure out if this is feasible or if I'm biting off more than I can chew. Do you have any advice or tips?

A bit of information:

> There are about 20 maps I'm interested in. I understand that I could just use Photoshop or similar and add them all as layers manually, but the idea of trying to line up the locations for this many historical maps feels a bit overwhelming. I would really like to take advantage of the fact that they're already rectified if possible.

> PROV Map Warper allows me to export rectified maps in a number of formats, including KML, GeoTIFF and PNG (see https://mapwarper.prov.vic.gov.au/maps/7180#Export\_tab).

> I've downloaded Google Earth Pro and can import and see all the maps easily in here, but can't draw over the top nicely.

> I started playing around with ScribbleMaps, but the KML files from PROV contain network links and ScribbleMaps isn't happy with these.

> I've also started playing with ArcGIS online, and have imported some KML files there, but when I add even one, it seems to freeze and I haven't even managed to get a visual of the imported layer.

Hi everyone! After two weeks of diving head-first into Photopea and cartographic design, I’ve completed the first continent for my world-building project: Aroscia.

This represents the first chapter of a four-continent world. Aroscia is set in a transitionary era with medieval roots and early 1900s industrial vibes. There is no magic here. Instead, the world is defined by harsh geopolitics, industrial expansion, and unique fauna like Elemoths (elephant-mammoth hybrids) and Sujaren (edible miniature whales).

I’ve focused heavily on making the geography and biomes dictate the history. Since I am a total beginner, I would love some feedback on the geographic realism and layout before I start Continent #2!

Pics includes:

1. The Final Finished Map (Atlas Style)
2. Biome Breakdown
3. The original MS Paint and hand-drawn concepts (for the process-obsessed)

Imgur for better quality: LINK

Short Lore:

Aroscová – Global superpower. Largest army, strongest navy, richest nation. Name comes from Great Arosa Lake + Covária River.

Lamalan – Former province that won a bloody 5-year secession war 200 years ago. Now a hyper-militarized republic, openly expansionist. Its constitution claims Ejora, Malota, Balan, and Querala as "breakaway states" to be reconquered. Locked in cold war with Aroscová.

The breakaway states:

• Ejora – Mountain kingdom. Won independence using avalanches and guerrilla warfare. But Aroscová invaded most of its coast, leaving only a narrow panhandle. Aroscová controls its only port.
• Balan – Controls key river estuaries. Aroscová helped it break free from Lamalan. Deal: no army, neutral forever, Aroscován troops only. Now one of the richest nations (neutral trade hub).
• Malota – Swamp fortress. Nearly impossible to invade (disease, mud, guerrilla war). Geography is its weapon. Lamalan wants its resource-rich northern swamps; Aroscová eyes it too.
• Querala – Holds a chunk of Aroscován territory across the gulf (80% ethnically Aroscován). Constant active war with Lamalan over mountains and oil. Uses tunnel networks to survive.

Other major disputes:

• Gulf naming war – Lamalan calls it Lamalan Gulf (historic regional name). Aroscová wants "Aroscován Gulf". Querala claims ancient "Queralan Gulf". Malota says "Sea of Sukavajè". International recognition still says Lamalan Gulf.
• Territorial disputes – Aroscová and Lamalan each hold occupied land from a second war. Neither side accepts treaties.
• Louvarén River – Headwaters in Lamalan. Ejora wants it as a chokepoint. Both Aroscová and Lamalan oppose that. Three-way standoff.

TLDR: Two superpowers, four fragile breakaway states, contested names/borders/rivers. One bad move from total war.

I was advised when setting my natural structures in my fictional map do do the mountains first. does this look ok?

And, how would the mountains effect the climate of the rest of country in yalls opinion?