First Attempt at a Regional/World Map

[Torq]

Hi all

I normally confine myself to floorplans for use in RPGs but all the amazing things I see here have inspired me to try my hand for the first time at a world/regional map, using the GIMP.

This really is a first time so any pointers would be greatly appreciated. In particular does anyone know of a resource where I can get all those small standard mapping symbols, that you see in modern atlasses, eg. mountain peaks as mall red triangles? Also does one normally add rivers free hand, or is there some sort of recognised algorithm to bring them into being in the correct places (I wish).

Thanks in advance.
Torq