Which option is better? Road between hills

[Franstein]

Hello,

I'm currently preparing a battle map for a simple encounter - a road between hills. It's a pretty large map (500x500 feet; 5000x5000 pixels) in original. I've prepared a comparison between different versions. On the left there's no elevation information. On the right there's an overlay with very basic elevation shown.

Do you have any suggestions how to better show the elevation in the map?


Thank you in advance.

[Blaidd Drwg]

Hmm, well ...I don't like the look of the elevation map much, because the lines don't seem to fit with the rest of the style. I think a smooth gradient from high to low might work better, unless those iso lines are vital info for the encounter. If you're doing this in Photoshop, you could try using different blend modes (eg "overlay") to make the white haze blend with the terrain better.

[Kier]

I like the first. The one with elevation lines doesn't work for me. I 2nd Blaidd's remarks of a smooth gradient, darker in the lower areas fading into lighter.

[Blaidd Drwg]

Another option might be to change how the tree foliage overlaps. Trees on higher ground overlap the ones closer to the path. Might not be true for every single tree in a real situation, but it might help sell the illusion of relief.

[jpstod]

I agree first map...