Approaches To Mapping-- Specifically, Finishing Your Map

Dr. KillPatient

L3: Member
May 10, 2009
115
8
I'm well aware that this question is borderline insane, but how, exactly, do you complete your maps (or even finish a layout)? I always make an area or two, lose inspiration, and start a new project. I don't really think the problem is knowledge, I'm fairly skilled with the technicalities of Source-- it's the mapping theory that I don't get. In conclusion, I ask you, what is your approach to building a map from start to finish?
 

lana

Currently On: ?????
aa
Sep 28, 2009
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2,778
Start with a layout in your head. Think about what you want your map to look like before you start designing it, as opposed to just building it room by room.
 

NoodleCollie

Stoat fiend
aa
Jul 30, 2009
383
335
My best tip would be to plan everything out on squared paper before you even touch Hammer. That way you don't have to worry about neatening brushwork and "How large should this room be?" at the same time.
 

lana

Currently On: ?????
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Sep 28, 2009
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I stopped using graph paper. It produces overscaled maps with little height differentials.
 

Huckle

L3: Member
May 31, 2010
149
101
What you're describing is generally not a mapping problem, it's a disciplinary problem. Making sure things get done while being creative is a really big challenge but it isn't impossible by any means. The only thing that keeps me working is a nagging voice in my head going "is this really what you should be doing?" incessantly while I'm watching TV or playing instead.

There are lots of good resources that deal with project management, setting intermediate goals and dividing a task into bite-sized pieces. I'd recommend that you start by watching this video by Seth Godin, it helped me a lot.
 

Draco18s

L9: Fashionable Member
Sep 19, 2009
622
136
I stopped using graph paper. It produces overscaled maps with little height differentials.

I like grabbing fictional structures, this site has a bunch. The guy who created most of them is dead, and while it took a while to get a response, his brother (who keeps the site online) did OK my use saying that his brother would have been ecstatic to see his designs used that way.