I'll stick all my maps in this thread rather than force people to search a number of different threads. So, first off, here's the newest one done for a game today:
Go to here for the full-size version of this and all the other maps in this thread.
Thanks! I hadn't really done a regional map before so it was an interesting challenge. I'm starting a new 4e game (aren't we all?) and it seemed like a good time to have a shot at one. I'm really happy with how it turned out.
I'll try not to post without an image to add, but there's nothing new this time. However, as I am collating old images as well, here's a map I posted here that has fallen off the end of the boards. A shipwreck:
Here's a launch to go with it:
and finally the wrecked ship itself, for those who want to make their own shipwreck maps:
Thanks! Make sure you yoink the big one in the gallery I provided the link to.
As for how to get the look of the regional map, I use gimp (a free image editor somewhat like photoshop). I start with a parchment background, lay in a careful line drawing (all the lines you see on the map are done at this point) and then lay down the colours. The fina step is to use the dodge/burn tools of Gimp to create highlights and shadows to get a sense of height and depth. If you're interested, and want some help developing your regional map, head over to the cartographer's guild: http://forum.cartographersguild.com/index.php
where you'll find lots of friendly people who'll give you advice, as well as a shed load of tutorials, and the work-in-progress threads for all of the maps above.