I was really playing around. Never considered these for anything other than for the fun of it. But I will take your suggestions it heart. I used GIMP for the maps so some of what you suggest might not be possible but I'll try to figure it out.

Perhaps I'll move Port Kylar over to that bay. To be honest, I had forgotten about the bay. This was my first completed map really.

I used a texture I had from a program that came with a CG magazine I got a while ago. Just was learning the process more than anything. I had meant to do more on the fortifications though, I'll go back into the original file and replace the ground with something more appropriate for the rest of the Notlob.

I did blur the edges of the desert but I guess the colors don't contrast enough to be visible. Oh well, I don't claim to be great, just still learning.