D&D General Mapping: How Do You Do It?

[bedir than]

I'm not an artist so I use word maps
This is of a continent with the main kingdoms and other spaces shown. The distance apart is very approximate, but someone in the world where this occurs would have a general idea that Sheljar is close to Telse and very far from Mehmd.

And here's one of a Trading Post

Descriptions are on my website, but the basics word map shows the rough layout.
If I don't have the website I'll give a rough size for zones like that.
Since I do words, not drawing or maps, I count on those words to be evocative in play.

 

[Reynard]

You seem to be talking about DM-side mapping here, while designing the adventure.

The rest of us are, I think, talking about player-side mapping while exploring said adventure.

This might just be my least read OP ever.