As for the tutorial on creating maps. I myself have been unsuccessfully looking for one. Now I am writing my own notes on this topic - maybe they will help someone. This is not a textbook, but rather reflections like "The Philosophy of Cartography" (/topic/972/ by the way, I highly recommend it to all map makers!) + various tips + analysis of typical mistakes and shortcomings of maps. All interested parties are welcome to join the thread: /topic/1763/
samatron, I downloaded your maps, but haven't played them yet. At first glance (in the editor), they do look pretty good!
(Василь Симоненко. Люди – прекрасні)