What exactly is giving you trouble from the first tutorial in this thread? Is it a matter of not recognizing the tools mentioned for each task? I'm curious as I feel it's pretty straight-forward except for the lack of step by step images.

I wanna post some pics up but i've gotten busy over the last couple weeks.

My best recommendation if it is just a matter of not recognizing tools would be to just google each tool that gives you trouble. There a numerous basic PS tutorials out there and most tutorials on precise subjects like map making or image retouching, will assume a basic familiarity with such things as pen tool, lasso selection, and all those other buttons on the toolbar.

You'll find tons of PS basics videos out there for free methinks but... to find one specifically for cartography uses would be a real gem if anyone could find or make one.