Fourth year NaNoWriMo-er here. Failed the first year, as I had an awful November and when I got the chance to do catch-up there were other things I really had to do first. The last two years were successes, and currently, I'm just slightly behind quota. Remember, you can always do your own PersonalNoWriMo in whatever month is more convenient for you.

When you're ready to make a map, just start up a WIP (work-in-progress) thread in the appropriate subforum and the helpful map fairies of Cartographers' Guild will render aid.