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.