Urania (Altair Universe, "Second" Planet)

[Naeddyr]

Mostly projection issues, yes. The current map is meant to be a Mercator projection, but Amerz has been toying with the idea of using an antique-style stereographic hemisphere projection, with plenty of room for ornamentation.

Mercator is a pretty tricky projection. To make possible computerised projectioneering with simple free projection tools, I'd suggest first making the map Equirectangular; plate carrée. This can then be transformed easily into other projections at will using diverse programs. I've actually made a map exactly like what you are thinking of doing, and a tutorial to go with it (check the tutorial forums! wink wink), and now I'm working on a similar, newer map (except in another projection).