My attitude to Map building is to always start building the maps first , show the community and then someone will add any Code needed to make it happen ( as they will want to try your maps also
).
Workout what Mapsets you need to Mix together to create your new map , build yourself some custom MCD's from them and then start laying out the Mapblocks.
I always thought about making a Desert map, with some Road with some rustic looking buildings and the occasional USA style "DInner".