You’ll notice there are two main maps on this forum: the Citizens Map and the Roleplay Map. Both maps are important but are used for different purposes. A small explanation is presented below:
http://theeastpacific.com/topic/5174027
This map is a non-roleplay map used by citizens of The East Pacific. No roleplaying occurs here; it’s mostly just for show at this point. Some prominent historical nations have been “moved” from the roleplay map to this one. This allows them to still have a presence here. To claim a spot, just note the number you’d like on the map http://theeastpacific.com/topic/5174027.
http://theeastpacific.com/topic/5224792
As the name suggests, this map is used for our in-character universe. Things like wars, diplomacy, sports, and other roleplays will be done on this map. To claim a spot, just post in http://theeastpacific.com/topic/5224792 and include things like the nation name, it’s location, general shape, etc. You can draw on the map and post your idea of the claim, but it might be rejected by the cartographer. Note: the nation you make here does not need to resemble your NationStates nation in any way.
This map can change with RP posts. Things like wars, annexations, colonizations, etc can increase or decrease the size of nations. To do that, it needs to be backed by roleplay. That is, you can’t just request more or les land. It has to be earned.
This map is much more dynamic. If your nation doesn’t do a whole lot in roleplay and your NationStates nation dies off due to inactivity, it may be removed from the map.
If you have any questions about these maps, feel free to ask about them in this thread.