Yes I know this has been known for a while and most likely discussed here. Also I wasn't sure where to post this, here seemed logical as technically it is Skyrim related. There have been videos of PC users going in to Morrowind and Cyrodiil, I just wondered if anyone knew why they were put into the game? It just seems odd to add these lands in and have them at a low res. Was just curious as to why there are in the game.

Realism probably. You can see the Red Mountain from the top of the Throat of the World.

More than likely to make room for future DLCs is the reason for the toll gate that every one posts about. As for the landmass, why not? If you make the whole map, then you have the whole map to pick and choose from for future games. You need a backside to all those mountains. The map itself is not that detailed and would need a lot of work to be a playable game space.

That about sums up the situation with the map outside of the playable map.

I think that Bethesda has the entire heightmap for all of Tamriel built. In reality, even that huge of a heightmap is pretty small in size. They only add trees and detail stuff to the part that is needed. It makes sense, if they intend to continue the series having a heightmap for the entire world is a good idea as it can be transferred to a lot of different engines with ease and they can always code a new engine with it in mind.

Makes sense I suppose. My first thought was DLC's too but after my excitement settled I though that would be one big DLC and there's no way because that would be like 3 games in one and Beth could make more money doing it as new separate games.

You know, I've wondered about this one, as Red Mountain looks rather un-exploded. Warning, big images ahead. Compare the before (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Sthelens1.jpg) and after (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/MSH82_st_helens_plume_from_harrys_ridge_05-19-82.jpg) images of Mount Saint Helens. When a volcano explodes, it's not left with a pointy top. For a volcanic eruption big enough to wipe out Vardenfell, Red Mountain is curiously intact.

Some people have suggested that these landmasses are "gifts to modders."