http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MapTropes

Maps and charts are ways of depicting the layout of an area onto a sheet of paper (or other surface) to help prevent people from getting lost.

They also manifest in fiction in a variety of ways and serve a variety of purposes:

Maps in general

Space-Filling Empire

Maps are drawn with a small number of superstates for easier political relations.

Maps are drawn with a small number of superstates for easier political relations. Spreading Disaster Map Graphic

Maps provide a vivid illustration of the scope of a looming or ongoing disaster.

Maps provide a vivid illustration of the scope of a looming or ongoing disaster. Travel Montage

Travel between multiple locations, with maps used during the cuts to represent distances traveled.

Travel between multiple locations, with maps used during the cuts to represent distances traveled. Treasure Map

X marks the spot after you take fifty paces east of that palm tree between the rocks!

X marks the spot after you take fifty paces east of that palm tree between the rocks! Advertisement: World Tour

Characters travel to multiple destinations, with maps used to identify the location.

Characters travel to multiple destinations, with maps used to identify the location. "X" Marks the Spot

This is where you'll find the buried gold!

Maps in Video Games