Map

The map is an object that does not exist yet, but is confirmed by Notch, and scheduled for release in Beta 1.6 of the game.

When the object is held in the hand, a map is constructed as and when exploring the world. Via Tumblr, Notch unveiled April 27, 2011 screenshots of the map : when the object is selected, the player can see the world explored superimposed on a parchment, which is held by the person before him or her.

Behavior
Each map is created with two parameters: These settings are fixed, which means that the contents of the map does not shift with the movements of the player, as in some games. Instead, it is closer to the behavior of a real map, which drew over the world of exploration is erased and not moving. Thus, when a player goes beyond the limits of the map, it is not listed in the map, and it is necessary to create another (each map corresponds to a region).
 * A center, which is where the map was made.
 * A zoom level, which is not yet defined.

It is necessary to hold the map in his or her hands to the places explored were enrolled. When in hand, he or she does not, however, see ahead, as it is positioned "under" the player, so that we should stop to watch it.

Multiplayer
In multiplayer, the maps will have a strong social aspect, since it will be possible to give one map to another player so he can observe what has been explored. It is also expected that maps can be "cloned" so that players with the same map can combine the results of their exploration. The position of other players holding the same map will also be visible.

Miscellaneous Notes

 * Notch said he had programmed the map to facilitate his work thereafter to the creation of real book's written by players, or even a table/panel using custom textures.
 * There can be no more than 65536 unique maps per world (this does not count the cloned maps).
 * If there are too many maps, when trying to craft one it will relay the message "Can't craft map: too many maps"
 * The map item currently only maps the top layer, but Notch said that "cave maps [are] an interesting idea".