how to Make Maps

[EvInReaLife]

Post some tecniques that you mappers use to make your maps great.

[Sklar]

The "Gameplay" Considerations:
Plan it before you build it.
Decide on one theme or look for the map and pick out the proper textures beforehand to make sure that they look right together.
Consider balancing issues between teams.

eg. Are there too many/few spots for humans to barricade?
Is there a spot on the map that one person could easily camp from without worry?
Could a demoman/soldier simply jump over defenses to the cp/intel? etc etc.


Then there's the technical side of things:
Are there wasted brushes that could be removed/shrunk/sliced?
Are there "hollow" areas that could be done without and removed?
Do I have "nodraw" textures on brush sides that players can't/shouldn't see?
Are my triggers (buyzones, ladders, etc.) the right size and set up properly?


Those are all just some things that I can think of off the top of my head.