Building a Sandbox

Before you can play in a sandbox, you must build the sandbox. But, before you build a sandbox maybe one should have a plan first. That's what I want to work on today. If I am going to build a sandbox, I want to have something like a plan to do so. I'll almost certainly need to change the outline as I run into problems, but a framework is probably a good idea.

Arbitrarily I want 7 steps.

1. The Map - A map is essential to a sandbox setting and the obvious first step.
2. "Civilize" the map - That is, put cities, towns, and villages on the map.
3. Points of Interest - Add in dungeons, ruins, battlefields, and interesting places to the map.
4. Name it - make sure place on the map have names (including geographic features).
5. Monsters - Decide what God-forsaken nightmares live where (and normal animals too).
6. Details - Flesh out the civilized locations.
7. More Details - Flesh out the wild locations.

There is a fairly decent chance I will change and/or expand on this.

Steps:
The Map: Part 1
The Map: Part 2
The Map: Part 3