Nov / Dec 2015 Lite Challenge: L'Arcipelago di Portovenere

[AzurePlanet]

Hello, this is my first attempt to a mapping challenge.

I am going to map the "Achipelago of Portovenere", in northern Italy (Liguria Region).
There are three small islands: Palmaria (the larger one), Tino (the middle sized one), and the very tiny Tinetto.

I spent there a wonderful summer camp in 2004.

Here are two images grabbed from Google Earth, just to show you where these islands lie.

[ChickPea]

Hi, welcome to the challenge!

Excellent choice for a map. Have you decided what sort of style you're going for yet?

[AzurePlanet]

Hi, welcome to the challenge!

Excellent choice for a map. Have you decided what sort of style you're going for yet?

Thanks ChickPea!

Well, I haven't decided the map style yet.
I usually draw modern style maps, but I would like to try something different.
I just downloaded an awesome GIMP tutorial by RobA, because I am not at all skilled with that software.

So far, I have started the same way: I downloaded a low quality open data map by Regione Liguria, then I digitized contours over it and got a DTM. Furthermore I got shadows from the DTM.
However, I would like use that DTM but also get a more fancy style.


Original open data file.


These are my own contours.


This is my own DTM with shadows.

I need new ideas.
Any comments / suggestions are welcome!

[Bogie]

Welcome to the challenge, Nice colors.

[ChickPea]

Not sure what to suggest for the best direction to take. Really depends what sort of final look you want to achieve. I did like this recent post in the forums, that shows four different styles for the same map. Not sure if one of those would suit? Or are you committed to an Atlas style?

[AzurePlanet]

### Latest WIP ###



Just a little update to show you where I have come so far.

Welcome to the challenge, Nice colors.

Thank you! However, as regards colours, I will probably use other ones: I am just experimenting at the moment.

...Not sure if one of those would suit? Or are you committed to an Atlas style?

I might say that my cup of tea is the Atlas style, by the way I am currently messing around. I don't know what the final "style" will be.

[ChickPea]

Link doesn't seem to be working :/

[AzurePlanet]

Link doesn't seem to be working :/

I updated the previous post, and hope everything is OK now.

[ChickPea]

Yes, I can see it now.

I hadn't realised you were going to include buildings/structures too. I didn't realise quite how small the island is until now. I like where you're going with this.

[AzurePlanet]

@ ChickPea:
I am glad that you like where I am going with the map!
Yes, Palmaria is indeed a very small island (about 2 km wide), but it is lovely.