Map Types (CSC)

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The maps that a DM will normally use as he designs and runs adventures in his world can be easily divided into several types:
==World Maps==
This large scale map does not necessarily show the entirety of the DM's world, but does reveal most of the land mass where the game adventures take place. This map should show an area of several thousand or even several hundred thousand square miles.
==Regional Maps==
This map is an enlarged subset of the world map. The scale on such a map is smaller (see Mapping Scales). It gives a more detailed depiction of one part of the DM's world-usually the area where the campaign will take place.
==Encounter Maps==
These maps depict individual encounter areas. The scale is very small, usually not more than five to ten feet per square or hex (or about 40 feet to the linear inch). Examples of encounter maps include dungeons, monster lairs, ruins, towns, taverns, towers, castles, and caverns. Most adventures that the DM creates will require one or more encounter maps.
==Diagrams==
Technically, this is not a map but is instead, a drawing or plan of a detail shown in one of the encounter maps. Diagrams fall into two general classes:
===Alternate Views===
These diagrams show things that cannot be easily or clearly shown from a top view, such as a pit with several side exits at varying levels or windows near the ceiling area of a room. These are best depicted by a cross-section or perspective diagram. Elevations, or front and side views of the exterior of a building also fall into this category. Particularly effective diagrams can be created using the guidelines for drawing perspective maps later in this chapter.
===Working Diagrams===
These diagrams are used to detail items or room features that need a close-up view to best explain their workings, such as a counterweighted trapdoor that works another mechanism.
Diagrams should be used as needed, but keep in mind that if something needs a diagram to make it clear to the DM, it may also be difficult for his players to understand. The DM may need an additional visual aid to explain it to his players.