Quote Originally Posted by Turgenev View Post
I see no problem with the shadow (especially in the larger hi-res version of the image) - it is an effect I have used from time to time (with mixed reactions). But since I'm in a good mood , so how about this (I took the liberty of removing the grid as well)...
That works. Thanks! Although it flattened it a bit too much. This is a problem you'll see elsewhere in the forums with high contrast maps that have lighter floors and darker surrounding earth.

The problem is that we generally interpret lighter colors as being higher. Consider elevation maps with the white peaks. So when I look at this map my mind immediately thinks the lighter gray is higher than the darker gray and then when the shadow is added it makes it convex because of that. I think Torq struggled with it on one of his maps as well. Even an inner glow on the passages/rooms didn't seem to help. I forget what the end solution was though.

It is a nicely textured map though so it is definitely aesthetically pleasing.