I keep seeing people put a big desert in the middle of every continent map

I was looking at a bunch of shared maps yesterday and over half had a huge, empty desert right in the center of the main landmass... it feels like a lazy default. I think it ignores realistic rain shadows and ocean currents, which would make the geography way more interesting. Does anyone have a good resource for basic climate placement that isn't just 'desert goes in the middle'?

3 comments

3 Comments

reese_bell3mo ago

Eh, it's just a map.

wright.drew3mo ago

Maps are how we understand the world, so they're kind of a big deal.

reese_bell1mo ago

Yeah idk, for me maps just show where stuff is. Like when I'm driving somewhere new I'll glance at it once and then just follow the road signs, the map is just a backup. I guess they're useful for planning trips but day to day it's not that deep.