This week, Ralf is back with a demonstration of how to make a map using the March Annual issue - the new overland style "Birdseye Continental".

Come along and learn how it's done first hand and join in the chat here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAOtenhrHRY

Or watch it here on the forum if you prefer*

*This thread isn't monitored during the live show, but is a place you can ask questions if you miss it.

When does a mountain become a hill, or a hill become a mountain? I've got all of them now I think.

Thanks for the suggestions :)

Those green mountains in Spectrum were more about matching the terrain details. I don't think I did a mountain background for that style, so there had to be mountains for every occasion. There is likely to be a mountain background in CC4 Overland, though I haven't really made my mind up about that yet.

Yes, I have been thinking of ranges. These models are basic inspiration and could be combined in a range symbol once I get past the basics of how big to make them and how much to modify the general appearance.

The smoother hills are a popular request.

Thank you, both :)

Ok - less peaky hills. Agreed.

@Quenten I wanted a fresh start with complete design freedom (taking suggestions into account). Spectrum is already full of things that I would have to continue to match against, including a colour scheme and a set of textures that aren't as good as I can do these days. Having to make everything fit with things I no longer consider my best work would be quite limiting. I'm hoping that CC4 Overland will be better than Spectrum. I hope it will be anyway.

@Ricko Yes, the angle of view for the model shot is quite a lot more oblique (side view) than Spectrum, which was absolutly isometric in all symbols. What I've done above is not true isometric, but like you I think it looks better. When I draw the mountains and hills I will probably flatten the bases very subtly, or make them less obviously rounded so they can fit together even more easily.

The image for the node setup turned out a bit blurry, so this is it again in a more readable fashion. I continue to work in Blender version 3.6.8 even though there are more up to date versions. They update/upgrade in a fashion that damages version compatibility. Some of these nodes no longer exist in the current version, or exist in such a changed state that they don't work the same way.

In the first image I use 2 Math nodes to do the same thing. This can be done with just one linked to the same inputs and outputs.

Have fun! :)