i have NEVER tryd mapping, and want to try now can som1 just tell me step by step how to get to the ''making'' of the map (i dont even know what prog i use)
Take a look at interlopers.com, and search for halflife2 mapping tutorials make simple stuff, and work on from there
I wouldn't recommend your first map to be for Empires. Start out with something like HL2 deathmatch, it'll give you a much better understanding of the basics before your move onto the trickier stuff.
Actually i think you perfectly can start with making maps for empires, but i really suggest to test first, and to not release your first map. I started with mapping about 8 months ago, and i started with empires. I'm still learning a lot, and most of the maps don't get finished because by the time i'm close to finising it, i've learned so much more that i don't like what i had already made anymore. Also: http://wiki.empiresmod.com/index.php?title=Main_Page Go to 'Mapping'
We don't use wads annymore, thats for the old halflife (good old days, heh) insted, when you configure hammer (if you do it acordingly to the guides) the textures (materials!) will be added automaticly most of them can be displayed by typing "common" in the texture browser
