So I've got pretty much all the basics/intermediate stuff down...

[Joey Skylynx]

So where does exactly one start with mapping? I can't get an exact idea on how your supposed to fully balance something to make it team-playable.
I guess my main question is... What is the main place to start with after you get the basics/intermediate shit down?

[WebOfTrust]

Get some inspiration...other than the Source limits your inspiration is the real limit

[Timenova]

If you don't have ideas, then do what I do: Write down a list of possible plans, choose the best, and make a 'blueprint' for it. You map it as you go along. :)

But that probably didn't answer your question, so go on Google Images, search for scenery. You might see something catchy like a lake or a few cliffs. I search for inspiration that way.