How do I draw a map?

[Graorgh]

I know that I can access the map pressing the 'M' key, I know that I need a charcoal, but now what? How can I begin to draw the map?

[TheGodlike]

Equip / use the charcoal - once you have it in your hands, you can start drawing.

[JiffyPopKids]

Equip charcoal, (through inventory or radial menu) and press LMB with it in-hand. it will then say "Serveying Local Area" and then it loads the map. a little bit around where you are will be drew in. if you manage to get alot of charcoal, nothing is stopping you from getting your heaviest coats and going out for a mapping day! :)

[Graorgh]

Thank you! :)

[listless]

It would be nice if there was an option to continue charting on the map screenn.

[wheostan]

also worth noting is that it only maps things like bodies/plants if they are within you characters LOS (not blocked by a huge rock etc..). so try to get ontop of rocks when possible for mapping to get more out of it

[JiffyPopKids]

Originally posted by wheostan:

also worth noting is that it only maps things like bodies/plants if they are within you characters LOS (not blocked by a huge rock etc..). so try to get ontop of rocks when possible for mapping to get more out of it

Is this true? I thought about it but I didn't think the devs would go that far in-depth with it.

[wheostan]

it appears so, the map was only displaying cedar/fir limbs (and everything else, but limbs were easier to test with) that were within LOS of my character(within 360 degrees) and not blocked by terrain (hills or rocks) although for mapping purposes trees are invisible it seems, i purposely got some reishis ont he far side of a stump to appear when fully blocked from view by a bunch of trees
what i dont fully understand is why when i was standing on the top of the lighthouse on the platform, looking down at the body beside the tower, it never appeared on my map until i went to ground level standing next to the body and mapped again

some official info on the mapping mechanics would be lovely :)

[ajb1978]

I advise not really bothering with the mapping right off the bat. Focus on getting a base of operations going first; get yourself settled. At some point you're going to have to go on a cooking marathon, either to boil up a month's worth of water, cook a bear, or something like that. Build yourself a nice roaring fire, cook and boil yourself down to 30% condition from exhaustion, then sleep it off. By morning that, plus all the little bits of charcoal you've been saving up, will allow you to go on a serious mapping expedition.

Then take a load of charcoal, some food for the road, a bit of water, and a weapon if not playing on Pilgrim. Take your time and map out everything, try to fill in all the details. Get to high ground when possible, as your line-of-sight is greater, and you will be able to fill in more details. You will find several black areas that you have never been. Use that as a guide, and make it your personal mission to fill it all in. I think you will find some interesting things that way. Perhaps additional supplies you'd overlooked, areas you had not yet explored, or even back pathways to get to areas normally accessible only by rope. Edit: For example, did you know the rope-accessible areas in Mystery Lake can be reached without actually climbing the ropes? It's true!

After you're done, zoom in and scroll around. There may be some saplings that your character thought to notate that you yourself missed.

[LD-SK]

Originally posted by JiffyPopKids:

Originally posted by wheostan:

also worth noting is that it only maps things like bodies/plants if they are within you characters LOS (not blocked by a huge rock etc..). so try to get ontop of rocks when possible for mapping to get more out of it

Is this true? I thought about it but I didn't think the devs would go that far in-depth with it.

yes, confirmed.

I shot a wolf in Forlorn Muskeg beneath a hill. Then climbed on top of that hill, to a spot from which I couldn't see the carcass. After mapping, I saw the map around the hill, but the wolf carcass was not drawn. Then I went to a different hill from where it was visible, and after mapping from there, the carcass appeared.

TERRAIN: A circle.
OBJECTS: Line of sight required.

[lkandrb]

Also, check every stove and prior fire you come across for charcoal. It is worth adding 1-2 more sticks to a fire to extend it just into the next hour as each full hour produces one charcoal.

[JiffyPopKids]

Originally posted by LD-SK:

Originally posted by JiffyPopKids:

Is this true? I thought about it but I didn't think the devs would go that far in-depth with it.

yes, confirmed.

I shot a wolf in Forlorn Muskeg beneath a hill. Then climbed on top of that hill, to a spot from which I couldn't see the carcass. After mapping, I saw the map around the hill, but the wolf carcass was not drawn. Then I went to a different hill from where it was visible, and after mapping from there, the carcass appeared.

TERRAIN: A circle.
OBJECTS: Line of sight required.

Huh, pretty cool!