Empty Map

In Minecraft, an empty map is a fundamental tool for exploring and documenting the game world. It starts as a blank slate and requires the player to hold and use it to map the surrounding terrain. The empty map does not display the player's location and needs to be combined with a compass to create a locator map. Empty maps can be obtained through crafting or by trading with villagers. The methods of creation and functions of empty maps vary slightly across different game versions. For example, in Bedrock Edition, a cartography table can be used to create an empty locator map with paper and a compass, while in Java Edition, cartographer villagers may give players an empty map. Maps can be cloned, zoomed, and used to create custom pixel art. Colors on the map change based on the most common block colors on the surface, and Bedrock Edition also displays plant and water colors based on the biome. Though Nether maps only show red-gray patterns, failing to provide detail about terrain, maps still function correctly in the End. Overall, the empty map is a key tool for exploring, documenting, and planning the Minecraft world.