In regards to..
b)Rough guidelines regarding important thematic maps, (tectonic plate, Major rivers etc.)

I just put up a post regarding tectonics. Hesitant to link to it though, I may have put it in an inappropriate forum location and it may be better suited to tutorials or elsewhere. As of the day of its posting, it was here though...
http://www.cartographersguild.com/ma...-movement.html

Someone else may be more informed in regards to water sheds and river drainage than I, but if no other resources are available, I could make some attempt at explanation.