Thanks ender.
I would also like to point out that, every single CC map, that is about a real world place, has started from a predetermined image. That is to say, the graphics are dictated by the lay of the land. graphic "style" is the only variable here. The GP is ALWAYS a thing that is worked out in order to conform to the basic image. The idea is to choose the correct style of play that best suites the map. Taking many things into account like, rivers, mountains, borders, politics, ...etc.
On the flip side, If you are making a fictitious map, like these two examples, you are afforded much more leeway, in that you can rearrange the lay of the land, to what ever you want. The GP is pretty much free to run the show. Because the graphics can be changed without the constraints that a real world place demands.
Now, different people will use different methods when they are beginning a project. If it is a fantasy map, some my start thinking about the GP and how they want a certain amount of territs, bonus areas and such. The artist however, will start thinking about the lay of the land first, and what kind of style they want to achieve. I agree 100% with qwert when he says,
"(what i create),in first place go graphic stage,and then i create gameplay and improving graphic. But its totaly wrong,create gameplay,and then to create graphic,this is mine oppinion."This is exactly how I approach map making, but There are some that want to complete the GP before they start to work on the Graphics. To each his own I guess. And THAT is my main point here. There MUST be allowed to the map maker, the space to flex his or her creative muscle. If qwert, one of CC's all time best map makers has succeeded with this M.O., I think that it can be agreed that it IS a good way to go.
imho, it does not matter where, or how you start your project. So long as a map goes through the various check points, and meets all of the requirements.
So, to sum up.
There is nothing wrong, or "arse-about face way of making a map".
If you want, you can just look at it this way. Just as you would have to take the predetermined shapes and add some game play to it on a real world map, you can do the same thing here. Although with this technique of starting with a texture shot, you are free to change the shapes, add or subtract rivers or mountains, or anything that you can think of. You are totally free to build the map around any GP style that you see fit. This actually makes the GP go much more smoothly because it is NOT constrained as it is in a real world place.
very nice, Now I guess the ball is back on my side of the court. I will get to work on the icons. In the meantime, could you explain the chart in the upper right ? I am not understanding exactly how it plays. Also, can you give the cities some names ? 
