Feedback please?

[Formal Abu]

Hi I've been working on this map for a while... I got frustrated trying to represent the trees so took a few weeks break on it.

Having come back to it now, I would love some feedback from people as it is still a work in progress and I'm really looking to improve it for the DnD podcast I run.

I'm particularly interested in: How to highlight physical land height differences and forests...

The season the map is made for has already started so I've got about a week left to make changes!

Many thanks in advance.

*****EDIT *****
I have added my most recent version of the map for easier reference and the original hand-drawn brief I was given.

[Formal Abu]

Here is the paper version...

[Deadshade]

I see no mountains on your map.
I'd have 2 remarks though.
Your rivers are much too wide (3-5 miles), you should make them narrower.
The sea is generally light color on shore and dark in the depths, you have the contrary.
Otherwise both the texture and color of your woods look right to me.

If you want to add mountains it is a whole different business altogether - there are several threads dealing with how to create belieavable mountains by hand or with software.

[Ascension]

What software are you using to make the map?

[Formal Abu]

Thanks for the feedback Deadshade.
I'll play around and invert the water tomorrow.
Regarding the rivers; I was trying to represent a marshy area... but you are right scale wise, I will change that as well.
I wasn't intending on there being any mountains, just something to try to get over the fact it looks so 2d.
Ascension I'm using Gimp.

[Ascension]

I'm not sure what it's called on Gimp but there's something like Bevel/Emboss. Draw some ovals in any color and size-appropriate, set the fill to zero so that they "disappear", then apply a bevel/emboss making sure to keep a consistent light source in mind to make little shaded hills.

[Formal Abu]

Are you talking about Bump Mapping? This -> here

Yeah I was wondering if I should try that... think I will!

[Ascension]

If that's the thing then, yeah, give it a go.

[Formal Abu]

I've tried to take on board your suggestions. I would appreciate any more!

[Ascension]

Looks fine to me. Looks like a rugged chaparral area like the US southwest.