AOS: Orient Express 1883 [quench'd]

[The Bison King]

^^^

What difference does it make?

[porkenbeans]

^^^

What difference does it make?

BK, It is a matter of continuity. There are two different types of territs. "stations" and "countries". So, there should be only two different types of labels. To have a very obvious outer glow on some, but not all, of the station labels, it leads to confusion. All of the station labels should appear identical. Because the ones over land are over a very light background, the glow is not noticeable like it is n the ones over the darker background "water" ones. This should not be a big issue, just make them have the same appearance. There are more ways than one, to do this.

[The Bison King]

^^^

What difference does it make?

BK, It is a matter of continuity. There are two different types of territs. "stations" and "countries". So, there should be only two different types of labels. To have a very obvious outer glow on some, but not all, of the station labels, it leads to confusion. All of the station labels should appear identical. Because the ones over land are over a very light background, the glow is not noticeable like it is n the ones over the darker background "water" ones. This should not be a big issue, just make them have the same appearance. There are more ways than one, to do this.

This shouldn't really confuse anyone though. The only way this would confuse someone is if they were looking to be confused. Besides as he mentioned it's only a perceived difference. They have the exact same glow on them.

[natty dread]

I'm keeping the glow.

[Victor Sullivan]

He's keeping the glow.

[natty dread]

Pork, I don't know if your eyesight is getting bad at your old age or what...

But the glow is clearly visible and clearly noticeable on the station names both on land and on sea. Besides none of the station labels are all the way on the sea. This is a non-issue IMO, I can't see any good reason for changing the glow and plenty for not to.

[thenobodies80]

Click image to enlarge.

Image for reference

I don't think that the glow should be a problem. Stations are in bold, italic, with a glow and with a unique icons....i think that is "enough" to find them on the map despite the glove is not always clearly visible.

Natty, the map looks nice, i have only few suggestions for you, don't worry all them are small things

- The sea connections between Corsica and Cote d'Azur change the colors where it "passes on the train". i think that could be solved just moving the train layer down.
- The white text (abbreviations) on the small version doesn't look as good as the big ones (maybe it's just me)
- Midi- Pyrenees, Rhone alpes and Cote d' Azur...that smaller letters....i know that it's the font, but personally i don't like them. If i were you i would use a dirty trick
- Galicia, you should move a bit down (and right?) the name. Put the name closer to the number.
- Agree with IH about Croatia-Slavonia, put the armies beneath the name. I know that you like them centered, but you have Belgrade on the right side. I bet that someone will get confunsed with it. Or at least move the armies a bit to left.

Apart from the above, i think that the map is ready for the final forge.

Nobodies

[natty dread]

Ok, all those changes seem reasonable. If I do them will I get some sticky action?

[natty dread]

Ok changes done. As for cro-slavo, I just moved the coordinates - can't be arsed to post a test result for one coord so if you want to check it use mapmaker... the xml link is on the first page.

Click image to enlarge.

[natty dread]

Oh what the hey, here's the test results.

Click image to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge.

[theBastard]

looks nice.
just, maybe the Constantinople could me moved a little to east, the numbers of it and Tekkir are too close. and Constantinople lies on Europe and Asia...

but for me is everything good. the notice of Constantintinople is only because high CC demands

[natty dread]

maybe the Constantinople could me moved a little to east

It can't, it would look like it connects to Turkey. I have put it as east as possible, it will have to do.

[theBastard]

It can't, it would look like it connects to Turkey.

what it realy does

as I said, I like it as it is now. nice job.

[porkenbeans]

Natty,
The map really looks suweeet with all of that color from the numbers.

I think that you have rounded the corner, and will get my vote for stamp.

I have a quick, last minute idea, that you may, or may not, want to try. What if you made the station labels WHITE. It would add to the balance, as the only white on the map, is all on the left side.

It may look horrible, or it may look great. But, I think that it is worth looking at, for shits and giggles.

This map is the best thing that you done so far, -IMHO.

[natty dread]

Well pork, just to humour you, I made a v. with white station labels. However while it looks kinda neat, I don't think it really promotes the 19th century theme - in fact it seems to kinda clash with the theme, looking too modern:

Click image to enlarge.

I would rather keep them black, but if there's huge demand for the white labels then maybe I'll reconsider.

[The Bison King]

Keep them black IMO.

[porkenbeans]

OOOOOOOOO, I don't know natty. I don't get a "modern" feel from it at all. I'll say one thing for it, it sure separates the stations from the countries, with but a glance.

It's not like you don't already have white text on the map.

[RedBaron0]

I kinda like the white, makes it stand out, "hey, these territories are different." Cuz they are... Up to you though, figure it out.

[natty dread]

I kinda like the white, makes it stand out, "hey, these territories are different." Cuz they are... Up to you though, figure it out.

Just a few pages ago you said the map shouldn't have anything modern-looking...

They are a bit too different. To me white text doesn't say 19th century at all. To me, 19th century maps have black text, on a generally light background - they had to conserve ink...

I'd rather keep them black if that's ok.

[RedBaron0]

Like I said, it's up to you. I said I liked it, didn't say you had to use it. The reason I like it I think is the fact that it is easier to read than the opposite. Maybe try going back to no italics and in white see how that looks.

But again, you're fine with what you've got at this point.

[Victor Sullivan]

Vote black

[porkenbeans]

Just for the sake of the argument, If white text looks to modern for you, then why are you already using it for the title, and lower left legend ?

The question of functionality about the white stations, are apparent. They DO work better. But, are they too modern looking ? I see white text on this map already, so, I would have to say that, they fit along perfectly with the style.

I think that Red had a good idea about going back to no italics on them. I believe that is the reason, that you feel they are too modern looking. Maybe even try all caps. on them. After all the map's theme IS about the Train.

[natty dread]

I don't like the white text. My opinion should count for something?

[porkenbeans]

I don't like the white text. My opinion should count for something?

Everyone's opinion should count for something here.
But yours is the deciding one, ...of course.

[MrBenn]

What is the reason for Serbia and Montengro not to border one another?