I'd like to make a map, but I have no idea where to start :s

How do you make sure the distances are correct? There is some issue with the vertical length being smaller then the horizontal length, or vice versa, right?

Any tips are appreciated :)

I have made three maps. I talk about the techique I use in this thread (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=55648), and this one (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42769). I use a variation of the "old method", it is very time consuming but gives excellent results. The "new method" would be BMP to BIC which produces maps quickly but for larger areas they can be quite distorted due to the curviture of the earth.There are many good websites to help with resource placement. The National Geographic mapmachine website is excellent for bioregions. Links to all of these plus the download for BMP to BIC can be found in the URLs for modmakers sticky thread.