[Photoshop] How to improve a simple map?

[TheEnemy]

Well, I hope that some of you can give some tips on how to improve the looks a simple map of an area. This link shows a map (http://lethian.misfire.dk/world/lethian.gif).

It’s just a symbolic map to show grassland, forests, mountains, roads, towns and so forth. I would like to improve the looks of the map, with a more realistic (or Fantasy like) look, the mountains reaching high into the sky and the forest looking dark and "treelike" - such things.

I’m not that good with Photoshop, but still learning. Any suggestions will be much appreciated :)

[DDD]

just about all you can do is add some text effects and textures. Maybe some grass texture for grass areas. Search (google) for some reference images and maybe we can help you achieve the effects.

[Desire]

wat u cud do is cut out each bit stick it on a new layer add diffrent textures and then u cud always use filters for the sea and maybe the "pinch" or sphearize filter to make things pop out.. add shadows and lightin as well to add depth.

if u want fantasy style go for a quil like text and lots of browns and inked lines maybe stick it on a scroll?

theres probaly loads u cud do let ya imagination go who knows wat u think of.

[danielthelion]

what you could also do is re draw it...because to be honest, the map sucks. i dont know if you drew it or what, but the colors arent good and its really just poorly rendered. you could draw it by hand and then digitally color it, or redraw it in flash or ilustrator. either way, it need to be re-done. if not it will be just like a sugar-coated turd.

[CanadianGuy]

TheEnemy that map is pretty sick looking.

Here's some links to some pics that you might draw some inspiration from.

http://infocom.elsewhere.org/gallery/shogun/map.jpg
http://www.osce.org/cio/archive/romania/about/aboutpics/map.gif
http://www.ucd.ie/icrm2003/map.jpg
http://www.nrao.edu/directions/greenbank/map.jpg

Note: A good rule to follow when making maps is that nothing on it should really standout when you hold it out at arms length.