[mparr4]

That step could certainly be its own post of greater length than this one.

For this particular map it involves separate curve adjustment layers for the water and land. We generally increase the steepness of the curve (increasing contrast) and then adjust individual color channels to get the color balance right. We also do some localized burning (darkening) in areas where pushing the curve resulted in some pixels getting too bright.

I’d love to put together a post with lots of pictures and details about how we do this. It is motivating knowing there is an audience for it.

[sillycross]

Thanks for the explanation! When I read the article, I felt the last step is much more complex than it is said. It seems like you confirmed this point.

I will be very excited to see a post on how these aesthetic improvements are made!