May/June 2009 Lite Challenge Entry: Golden Sands

[msa]

Here is my newest draft of my map, and I am now starting to add the labels. This is my first time with labels so I would be thrilled with any feedback on them. They look a little bold to me personally, but I will start playing with the colors a the background once I get them all in place.

There are two additional minor changes since the last version. First, I added a small detail around the coast in the form of a second ripple just beyond the initial fade. Also, I did one more iteration on the coastline, adding some more noise to make it a little less smooth.

[msa]

Another new versions... I had a little bit more time to play this weekend.

• Added more labels for minor geographic features
• Reduced the intensity of the background highlight on the labels
• Experimented with a compass rose effect

I might have made the compass too big, but that is easily adjustable. I am still trying to figure out how I feel about it. I am much happier with the new labels, however, and I like the differentiation between the major and minor geographic features. At this point I am trying not to let it get so cluttered that it impacts the map features.