Hey CoolioTree, welcome again.
There's nothing inherently wrong with doing maps that focus more on the history and politics of a region, and less on the geography.
I would say that doing more of the terrain and water features will be of use to you since those things will often affect how things go - resources, boundaries, politics are all affected by these.
Like ChickPea said, even if you don't have a scanner getting a pic with your phone is at least one way to jump in.
It's hard to get a good pic from a phone but it's something.
Anyways, you'll find a lot of well informed and helpful people on the Guild.
Cheers, J.