Or, for the next map, would not be easier to just paint the houses in white (or whatever) and then apply a stroke, so that you could easily adjust it later if needed?
I don't use GIMP, but it should have something like the "stroke" effect, no?
Or, for the next map, would not be easier to just paint the houses in white (or whatever) and then apply a stroke, so that you could easily adjust it later if needed?
I don't use GIMP, but it should have something like the "stroke" effect, no?
This is a good map; it is clear and has a clean layout. However, the style is inconsistent - you've used black and white buildings against a vibrant (perhaps overly saturated and bright) background. I also agree that the stroke on the buildings is too large. Overall, though, the map is already quite a good one and if you rectify those problems it will function better.
I like how the buildings are looking in this version. I think it helps to emphasize that captivatingly organized chaos, which is a good thing! Interesting map!
I think it looks better with the thinner lines. Even if there is some blurriness introduced by the process to make them thinner (but you would not have that issue if the thickness was set from the beginning), that mostly disappear by looking at the zoomed-out version
A few of my thoughts on the layout:
--It is not uncommon for major roads to follow important topographic features. In this case, I would suggest (if it isn't too late) adding some highways running parallel to the coast and at least one river bank. In particular, that wall you have following the outer wall looks a bit strange where it hits the river. A bridge wouldn't make any sense, so maybe you could add a gate (or just a lesser gate, called a postern) and a road heading into the right-hand edge of the map. The streets within the wall (called intramural) already hint that there might be a passage through the walls there; it is a general rule (read: not always true, but very often true) that where a major intramural street hits a town wall at an acute angle, it will pass through and beyond (the reason is invariably because the street was there first, connecting the subject settlement with another settlement further away).
--The suburbs at present look good, but if I was you, I would add more buildings along the radiating roads. To take one example, that road that vanishes off the top of the map is presumably leading to another town. Furthermore, people probably travel along that road a lot. It therefore stands to reason that shops and houses (and, in European cities, hospitals and almshouses) will be built primarily in long strands on the road's edge, rather than bunched up near the gate.
--The other thing about suburbs is that they almost always develop markets. Farmers and traders choose to sell their goods outside the town, rather than going inside and paying a toll. There is no law saying that a town must have only one marketplace. Indeed, it has always been common for European cities to have many, often specialising in a particular type of good.
--One last thing about suburbs, if this is a typical medieval European town, you will often see a gap between the suburbs and the wall. The reason is simple: the wall is usually surrounded by a ditch or moat which is difficult to build on. Over time, especially during times of peace, gardens and workshops might start to fill in the ditch, because it is no longer so important to maintain it (or the walls themselves, for that matter) for defence.
--The internal layout of the town is generally pretty good. I like the fact that you explain in-world about the straight alleys. The only suggestion I would make for the layout, which shouldn't be too hard to do, is adding a major road on, or nearby and parallel to, the coast/riverbank. Additionally, remember what I mentioned earlier about markets; there would obviously be a lot of buying/selling anywhere that boats arrive/depart, be they merchants or fishing vessels.
Anyway, hope that doesn't feel too much like a lecture, and there is some useful advice there. I tend to get rather obsessive about city layout and form. And that said, rest assured this is a pretty good map from the "accuracy/realistic" point of view.
THW
Formerly TheHoarseWhisperer
Alright, I think this might be the final pass! Some major changes this time: most responses to TheHoarseWhisperer's comments, and a few that were not. Let me know what you think. Note: any final recommendations should be mentioned within the next few days before I move Westport to the Finished Maps forum.
What font are you using for the title? I really love fonts, and that one is beautiful. It matches the emblem behind it very well.
Free to use: Before the Rain.