[?] Compass Bearings on Maps

[ChiefRyza]

Hey everyone, I know I have posted a few other question threads about mapping but I am pretty damn confused about something that I can't find any answers on. When making a map that is relying on north, south, east and west directions, how can this be checked?

I need to know because the map I am making is based on a city along the River Euphrates, and I am basing it on a fictional scenario where the Middle-Eastern Coalition controls the eastern side of the river on a natural choke point (where I think in reality, if a large scale war broke out, this would be a tactically superior position).

I need to know if when making a map, the bearings must be followed initially using the surrounding terrain (for example the top surrounding square = North, Bottom square = South etc. - I am not sure about this) or the compass bearings are added afterward. I just don't want to finish the map and find out I made the whole things facing the wrong direction. Thanks in advance.

[e-Gor]

Top = north, bottom = south etc. Can't change it.

[ChiefRyza]

Ok thanks, just have to rotate my city a little bit to the right then