A good technique i always use

First, start a map, with the dimensions 64x64. You must have an initial idea, place it on the 64x64 terrain until full. As ideas flow, you just resize the map to add new areas

I though of posting this because its a good idea

EDIT: Feel free to post any other techniques and ideas

I suppose I better get started.

USE THE AUTO SAVE FUNCTION.

This is a must. Don't set it too low though.

Don't be afraid to modify.

Don't be afraid to modify ANYTHING. The undo button is there for a reason...

I think up the map before I even put it onto the WE. I decide the size I estimate I will need, and I resize it according to necessity.

Thats a great Idea, I never thought of that!!!

GJ:D

How do you resize?

when you change the camera bounds, there is an option to change the map size too. (maybe a UMSWE function)

Resizing up is good if you use the normal editor or a multiplayer map.You cant go over 192x192(or equivalent). To get 256x256 you need to set it in an advanced editor at start because you wont be able after. Once your map is done, resize it down to what you need.

Use backup! always have a recent backup somewhere. This is really helpful for HeroRPG since when I implement something new to the map(like a ATB battle system), I cant be sure if this would currupt the map or make script error. If the new system work with no bug I overide my backup.

Question: Does auto-save overide the current map or save it in a back up map like the Test Map feature?

no its overrites the current map.

Where do you change camera bounds?

It's in the menu bar somewhere... I htink it's under option ---> Map Size and Camera Bounds.

Both functions are bugged. Resizing map sometimes results in your maps being corrupted, at least I've seen several people complaining about that.

And there is a point when working with JASS triggers where you don't want autosaves. But for the ordinary user this is of couse a good idea.

Sometimes I use a larger map and move my way down if I'm unsure on how much space I will be needing. A good example would be an RPG type map where you know you'll need a lot of space, just not how much.

how do you make your map bigger than the limit, I use UMSWE

This is something i always do. before you make the map, always estimate how large it will be. Then you open up a blank map of that size in the world editor, turn on the largest grid and count how many grid squares high and wide the map is.

Reproduce this grid in Excel or word or even on paper, and plan the map out from there. that way you can be certain how narrow/wide the paths are and lets you be sure that you have enough space for everything.

1 grid square is exactly as high and wide as the pathing map for a town hall.

There are 3 sizes for the grid.