Fictional map of US 2085

[Ilanthar]

I've decided to work on a map of the USA in the same futuristic rpg setting than my LA Metropolis map (and chose a close style).
Below is what I've got until now. I'm testing the colors (it's not definitve and probably needs some refinement) and I'm stuck on the way to represent the big urban/metropolis areas. So, any idea is very welcome!

USA test.jpg

[- Max -]

You're off to a very good start here. The colors are just perfect to me !

[eViLe_eAgLe]

Are you using the free relief library, or are you doing the relief yourself? Either way, good job so far, the colors are looking really nice.

[johnvanvliet]

just a word of caution
if you put a grid on that map
the USA ? Canada border IS the 49'th parallel
and the lines of latitude need to be parallel to that

and I'm stuck on the way to represent the big urban/metropolis areas.

a bit hard to draw but..
how about the night time lighting

city lights from space are something

or

seeing as concrete is white / gray use a "light gray" for a metro area
it is 90% paved roads and parking lots after all

[Ilanthar]

Thanks guys!

@eViLe_eAgLe : I'm using a free base map, I just "removed" the elements I didn't need, as you can see below :
start point.jpg is my free base map, and I removed cities/borders, added layers for background effects, new borders and coloring to USA test.jpg

@johnvanvliet : it's a fictional map, so I'm not keeping the same borders (both federal and inner states). Thanks for the advices... I've no satisfying results with the night lights so far, but it will serve to locate things... I'll probably go with a light gray area indeed.

[Ilanthar]

Here are some tests about the metro area... With a "color effect" or a brighter one. Which one do you prefer? I like the second one, but some cities like the Salt Lake City area become hard to see in the desert...
USA test3.jpg & USA test2.jpg

[Azélor]

Make it even brighter ? or add some variation in the brightness.

[Ilanthar]

Thanks for the suggestion Azelor, I've tried it. It's helping a bit, but not so much...
So, I've decided to add a contour. Looks better imo. What do you think?

USA test.jpg

[Azélor]

I think it's an improvement.

[madcowchef]

Pops a lot more to my eye, I'm not having any problem distinguishing them.