It is really impressive. I love fiddling with illustrator, but it's such a different approach to Photoshop that I've ever got into it. Watching these gives me some insight into the way this can work - especially the use of repeating patterns and your use of gradients. That's very interesting indeed. Thanks a lot for posting these - and please post some finished work in the Finished Maps forum - it would be great to have some of the finished versions on here.