Tides and Coasts

Tides and Coastal features are a primary element of many maps. There are differing techniques and styles to choose from when you are creating your map. I thought it would be useful to show a few different styles of coasts. These maps were all found on the Cartographers Guild in their gallery section. Before you browse the maps. Take a moment and glance over the techniques that I have listed. This will give you a framework to reference while analyzing the map samples below.

LAND-COAST-OCEAN TECHNIQUES

1. Pattern lines brushed around the coast

2. Jagged lines tracing the coast

3. Straight lines tracing the coast

4. Fading

5. Variety of Color

HEIMUR

The map above Heimur uses a small jagged line to show the tides surrounding the coast. Most likely this was accomplished by creating a pattern and brushing that pattern layer onto the map. If you look closely you will notice that the pattern occurs after a separation line. That distinction makes this make slightly unique compared to other maps.

WITCHLANDS

The Witchlands map completes the task using a pattern as well. Notice how this pattern uses longer lines rather than the dashed lines above. This artist chose to pattern the ocean with dots. This creates a distinction for the eye and leaves less empty space.

DREKLAND

The Drekland map uses lines that follow the coast. Notice that multiple lines give the impression of waves and current.

DURPAR

The map Durpar illustrates a mixture of using lines to follow the coast which also fade into the ocean. This map was chosen because it strongly illustrates the technique of using lines that trace the coast.

OOR-EN-ERNIL

The Oor-en-Enril map uses a shadowing method, a variety of color to show the tides and coast. Notice that this is accomplished by using lines that trace the coast. Then, using lighter and darker colors to distinguish the coast and the ocean.

DREAMRIFT

The map Dreamrift uses differences of color to show a land v coast distinction. From a quick glance it becomes obvious where the boundary exists.

THE LAND OF GOLD AND SILVER APPLES

The Land of Gold and Silver Apples uses a variety of colors to show the distinction of the coast, land, and ocean. If you look at the coast, you will notice small jagged lines that outline the coast as well. These techniques combined work well together to give the impression of flowing water.

NOVOTERA OCCIDENS

The Novotera Occidens uses lines that follow the coast, and gradually fade into the ocean. This technique is seen on topographical maps often but with the coloration, gives the impression of tidal waters.

XENDRIA

The map Xendria uses patterned lines and a a deep color that fades into the ocean. This map uses multiple techniques to accomplish the task of making the land and ocean distinct from each other.

EDYN

Edyn distinguishes the land and water by using a deep coloration that fades from the coast and fades into the deeper water. Another style/technique preference is shown in this map.

Update:

I found a much simpler summary that contains the same information. See 4 Coast Styles.

Map Resources

The Land of Gold and Silver Apples

Novotera Occidens

Xendria