I need some tips on map layout

[tinak]

I'm trying to make a new map but I have no idea were to begin with it and all I'm stuck with is just a empty room.

[Knight Vista]

What game or gamemode?

[KinderBueno]

I always start with center of my map, I mean where most people will hang out, like park for example.
in downtown: Fountain area
In EvoCity: BP Station

So I always start from points like this.

[tinak]

[QUOTE=KnightVista;46971370]What game or gamemode?[/QUOTE]

I was thinking more of along the lines of Arena or KOTH.

[editline]20th January 2015[/editline]

[QUOTE=KinderBueno;46971869]I always start with center of my map, I mean where most people will hang out, like park for example.
in downtown: Fountain area
In EvoCity: BP Station

So I always start from points like this.[/QUOTE]

Only if I knew what to make my focal point for the map.

[Statua]

I make primarily RP maps so here's my sequence when making a map:

[B]Acquire Blueprint [/B]
-If it's a commission, get the client to do it to save on cost
-If it's mine, begin by listing everything I want in the map (districts, key areas, theme, balances, factions, etc)
-Roughly place the areas around on a piece of paper until a very rough sketch can be made
-Draw out final draft either on paper or in photoshop

[B]Starting the map[/B]
-Begin by roughly placing boundaries and key objects using dev textured blocks.
-Fine tune dev blocks to roughly resemble what I need, and to realistically size them
-Build over dev blocks in whatever area I want to start work on, removing the dev blocks (unless I use them for things like roads or skybox walls)
-Carry on the mapping process in whatever fashion works best for the map and my productivity

Here's a couple examples of blueprints. Keep in mind none of my maps are ever 1:1 with the blueprint unless I'm told specifically to do so.

[t]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52871438/Photos/geonosis/blueprint.png[/t]
[t]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/52871438/Photos/ineu2/map1.png[/t]

[tinak]

bleh

[GaleTheHusky]

I suggest taking a look at this page: [URL="http://www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/csgo-tutorials/csgo-how-to-design-gameplay-map-layouts.php"]http://www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/csgo-tutorials/csgo-how-to-design-gameplay-map-layouts.php[/URL]

It's a lot of work, and layouts can be difficult to conceptualize at first. I suggest when you're making your basic layout work on your TOP viewport. Meaning, create only the floors of your layout, then later add the buildings/elevated positions, etc. It will make it easier.

While that guide is very specific to CS:GO, mapping is great because the concepts are the same or similar with most games of the same genre.