Table of Contents
Who this is for: Minecraft players who want to navigate effectively and track their location while exploring.
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What You’ll Need to Craft a Locator Map
Creating a locator map requires just two items: a compass and a map. First, craft a compass using 4 iron ingots and 1 redstone dust arranged in a cross pattern with redstone in the center. Then make a map with 8 paper surrounding 1 compass in your crafting table.
Two Ways to Create Your Locator Map
Method 1: Direct Crafting
Place your existing map and compass together in any crafting interface. This instantly converts your regular map into a locator map that shows your position as a white dot.
Method 2: Using the Cartography Table
The cartography table offers a cleaner interface for map work. Place your map in the top slot and compass in the bottom slot, then grab your new locator map from the result slot. This method is particularly useful when you’re doing lots of map modifications.
Understanding Your Locator Map Display
Once created, your locator map displays several key elements:
- White dot – Your current position
- White triangle – The direction you’re facing
- Terrain features – Biomes, structures, and elevation changes
- Player markers – Other players appear as colored dots if they’re holding copies of the same map
Expanding and Copying Your Maps
Start with a basic map that covers a 128×128 block area. You can expand this up to 4 times using paper in a cartography table, reaching a maximum coverage of 2048×2048 blocks. Each zoom level quadruples the area but reduces detail.
Create copies by placing your locator map with blank maps in a cartography table. This lets multiple players share the same map data and see each other’s positions as colored markers.
Smart Navigation Tips
Hold your locator map in your off-hand while exploring to keep it visible without switching items. The map updates in real-time as you move, making it perfect for marking important locations like your base, villages, or resource deposits.
Remember that maps are tied to specific dimensions – your Overworld locator map won’t work in the Nether or End. You’ll need separate maps for each dimension you want to navigate.
For the best Minecraft adventures and exploration challenges, you’ll want to master these mapping techniques early in your gameplay.
TL;DR
Craft a locator map by combining any map with a compass in your crafting table or cartography table. The resulting map shows your position as a white dot and facing direction as a triangle.
