Where would you start a city on this map?

[lhrob 213]

I'm open to options here.  I'm not the best person for creating new terrains, so please look past that.  Where would you start a new city on this map, and in what direction would you spread out first?  Where would you place the different zones, as well as future airport, seaports, and utility plants?  Would you level out any particular section, and where?  I'm just curious, and interested in how everyone thinks when they first approach a blank map.

 

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Clearly the strait is the best place to start.  Put a bridge across and work on both sides.  You might have to lower the shore line somewhere in there to construct a port, perhaps on both sides.

 

You'll also need bridges across the chasm.  Villages can be started in any of the valleys, but should be connected to the main port either by road, ground heavy rail or ferry.  You might want to investigate the single track options for rail.

 

Interesting terrain, but I would add some mountains along the western edge with some mountain passes that could be connected to Sim Nation.  And when you run at some reasonable pace, not cheetah, invoke the 'snow' command so you can watch the seasons pass.

 

Have you looked at terrain contours with CTRL+SHIFT+c (toggle)?  Quite helpful when you are laying out trees.

[memedoug85 36]

Depends on where your neighbors are but if its just grid then --->

 

[SimRico 968]

I like the last screenshot of rivers flowing from the landmass down to the ocean. For me, i like to always take advantage of the defaulted "city center" where the annual fireworks goes off when the city was first established. This way theres a lot of city to cover with room enough for a freewayloop around a large city and maybe one or two major highways leading through the city where one of the highways connects to the water areas where i may set up smaller towns on the same map.

I used to build my city at the edge for waterfront downtown but locked out of growth on one side thats an ocean but as Mr Moose said, bridging over to the other side would solve that). But like the last pic. Have both a riverfont downtown with loth of expansion norrh south east west. Plus your sims could take a vacation from the bustling big city and spend a few days in the tiny town down by the ocean.

[lhrob 213]

Are those blue lines supposed to be rivers, or highways?  I like the idea of starting separate villages/towns in those orange areas and then allowing them to grow and merge into one city.  I also like Nonny's idea about adding mountains to the western edge of the map.  I know the map is rather hilly, and I realize I'm not very good at making terrain like that, but I got so bored building a flat city.  I think the hills will be an stimulating challenge to work with.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

@SimRico:  The centre of fireworks moves to the Mayor's House if it is laid down.

[nats 99]

Myself I would keep to the valleys and low lying areas. The low level area on the lowest left hand side next to the river would be perfect for a first fishing village