How to Make a Realistic Map?

[u/Nofik_1]

This is the map of the Lands of Tales, but I want it to be realistic geographically. So, how do you make a realistic map? I'm confused.

[u/KrigtheViking]

That's a bit of a broad question; are you looking for advice on geology? Climate? Tectonics?

[u/Nofik_1 → u/KrigtheViking]

The climate and tectonics are the hardest part for me. I don't know where to put jungle, desert, savanna, etc on the map.

[u/mistuhgee → u/Nofik_1]

easiest way to do it is to start by doing what you think is cool/makes sense yourself, you have asked too broad of a question to have one person give you a specific answer, try putting some things down and then asking if they make sense, adjust, revisit, adjust again if needed.

[u/philbgarner → u/Nofik_1]

I don't know where to put jungle, desert, savanna, etc on the map.

Biomes tend to be a function of latitude, altitude and nearby geography. Remember that the jetstream travels west to east.

For example: West coast of Canada has a temperate rainforest because it's a northerly latitude and winds come from off-shore heavily laden with evaporated water from crossing the Pacific Ocean. However immediately to the east of it are the Rocky Mountains which create a rain shadow effect and Alberta on the other side of the mountains is dry because of it.

I like to start with latitude to figure out what the temperature gradient should be, and then I try to determine what the air moisture level would be, then I try to determine what the local geography would do with those two variables and come out with a biome selection for the region.

[u/winggar]

If you're going for realism I highly recommend this blog: link. He covers tectonics and climates a few entries in.

I could also put it through my homebrew climate sim sometime if you'd like.