Learn to create authentic fantasy maps step-by-step! Orcs prepare for battle against high Elves, Dwarves retreat to the mountains and men march to the sea to reclaim crumbling fortresses. Fortunes are decided. Kingdoms are lost. Entire worlds are created. This book will teach you to bring your fictional realm to life with simple step-by-step instructions on how to draw authentic fantasy maps. Set the stage for adventure by illustrating domains, castles and battle lines, mountains, forests and sea monsters! Learn to create completely unique and fully functional RPG maps time and time again on which your world can unfold. All the skills necessary to create awe-inspiring maps are covered! • Landscapes. Add depth, balance and plausibility with rocky coastlines, towering mountains, dark forests and rolling plains. • Iconography. Mark important places--towns and cities, fortresses and bridges--with symbolic iconography for easy-to-understand maps. • Typography. Learn how to place readable text and the basics of decorative script. Bonus instruction teaches you to create fonts for Orcs, Elves, Vikings and dragons. • Heraldry and shield design. Depict cultural and political boundaries with shields and colors. • Advanced cartography. Includes how to draw landmarks, country boundaries and political lines. Build roads to connect merchants and troops, troll cairns and dragon lairs. And complete your maps with creative backgrounds, elaborate compasses and thematic legends. 30+ step-by-step demonstrations illustrate how to construct an entire fantasy world map from start to finish--both digitally and by hand!

How to Draw a Map is a fascinating meditation on the centuries-old art of map-making, from the first astronomical maps to the sophisticated GPS guides of today.

Explains the terms and concepts associated with maps and how to make accurately-scaled maps of existing areas, as well as fantasy maps.

How to Draw a Map is a fascinating meditation on the centuries-old art of map-making, from the first astronomical maps to the sophisticated GPS guides of today.

Being able to draw a map is a very useful skill and one that can also be a lot of fun. This volume gives young readers plenty of pointers for making their own maps. It offers surveying suggestions and discusses various map types. The book introduces key map elements, such as scales, compass roses, grids, and legends, and explains the purposes they serve. It even touches on professional cartographers and the important job they do.

A guide to drawing maps and charts. Step-by-step instructions show children how to draw professional-looking pictures, ranging from accurately-scaled maps of real places, to decorative fantasy maps. The author introduces the terms and concepts associated with real maps, and demonstrates different ways to present information clearly, covering the use of colour, design and symbols. The volume includes links to Web sites for further tips and ideas and pictures to download.