How to Determine Elevation for New Map

[Kolfax]

Hey,

I'm trying to build my first map and although I've got continent's shape already drawn out in PS, I can't seem to decide how elevation should be laid out across the continent.

I figure this is something I should probably decide before going any further than black water/white land phase because otherwise I could have some misplaced rivers and lakes - amongst other things I haven't even thought about, yet.

So, what are your thoughts as to determining the elevation of your lands? Do you have a process that can be taught? Are there any geographical norms I should know about and consider?

I searched and although I got a lot of hits for elevation it all seemed to just be compliments on another's elevation in their maps. I hope I didn't miss anything...

Thanks in advance,

-Kolfax

[waldronate]

I have used http://www.ridgenet.net/~jslayton/FunWithWilburVol4/ to get some terrain information (note the appearance of pre-defined rivers at sea level). This item works much the same if you do it in two passes - a low-altitude one for the main mass and a higher-altitude one for mountains. As a bonus I can then get Wilbur to find my rivers automagically.

[Kolfax]

Thanks for the tip Waldronate, I'm going to have to check this out!