Hi there, I like your maps. I have a preference for pseudo-real maps, so that's why. It's a shame you lost all the information, I'm sorry to hear that, but on the other hand, you can celebrate the opportunity to start over and make them better.

You asked for a faster way to make relief shaded maps than using photoshop. Unfortunately, I don't know any, so I can't offer help on that, but not knowing what technique you know, I still want to point you to this tutorial, by Nathan.