Here is a map of Panama made for a page in a book that introduces a section on Panama. It just had to be a sort of physical reference intro map…and the page is roughly square. So, with few requirements, a challenging artboard proportion, and a whim to go tilty 3D, this is my first draft.

I don’t know to what degree it will survive review, but it sure was fun to make. If you’d like to sink deeply into the creation steps, then you are a glutton for punishment…and you can find that how-did here.
My favorite part was the north arrow, which I almost never include in my maps. But since I needed one here I figured I might as well indulge in something weird. Here it is (though you will probably only be able to see the shadow)…

Happy Mapping! John