Archaic/Medieval looking Maps of a City over centuries

[micro_learner]

I am a writer/historian with decent computer skills. I am writing a book about an old city that barely has any historical maps.I would like to create a series of maps to show how the city evolved over centuries.

Do I start with a current Google Map of the city and then try to work with some tools to erase the newer structure and then juxtapose it with the older structures that don't exist today. I would like to create a medieval look to the map(s) as well so that it looks authentic.

I saw a few tutorials in here and in the web but I am not sure which is one would work for me.

Thank You for your time.

[Ascension]

Are you using a current Earth city like Cairo or Hong Kong or a made-up fantasy city like Alladureinenvale? If you're using a real-world city then you have to check references and old maps, gotta dig through local libraries, and sort of fill in the gaps as best you see fit making sure to denote that such alterations are artistic license. If you're using a fantasy city then you can do whatever you want. As for style, that's where the artistry of cartography comes in and you'll have to practice.

[Chick]

Hi micro_learner, welcome to the Guild!

There are tutorials on doing towns/cities if you do a search for them. However, just following a tutorial and expecting to create an authentic looking medieval map immediately might be a bit much to expect. Most of the people on here have been practicing for a long time to get to the point where they can do that.

My first thoughts are .... 1. lay out the number of maps and the dates for them, choosing ones that you have some information about. 2. Start with the simplest oldest one and then build on it. But your thought of going the other direction could work also.

If you really want to become an artistic cartographer, head for the tutorials and start practicing. Post what you have and get critique, and then repeat ...

If what you really want is the maps, you might consider posting in the Mapmaking Requests thread and hiring someone to do the mapmaking from your input. There are a lot of really fine artists here who could do your project in much less time and far less of your effort.

[Wingshaw]

Welcome to the Guild, micro_learner.

I think what you are trying to do is quite a challenging task, for a number of reasons. Trying to display changes over time, yet maintain a medieval style is likely to be tricky. Also, cities are, by their nature, dynamic artefacts, and so, while you can create maps that show which buildings were newly created from one period to the next, showing how the older structures were renovated, expanded, destroyed, altered in purpose etc can be more difficult.

That said, I think it can be done. I am assuming you are interested in doing this with a real city, rather than a fantasy one (correct me if I'm wrong). I have seen maps that attempt to show development over time, and I did a similar project for my archaeology honours thesis. I would highly recommend you supply more information in this thread, about the nature of your project, the content of your maps, the methods you hope to employ, etc. The fact you have received 3 comments in about an hour is proof there are people here willing to help, but we (or, at least, I) need more information first.

THW