A visual representation of an imaginary world, designed for physical reproduction, serves as a cartographic key to fictional landscapes. These documents, often used in role-playing games, literature, and world-building exercises, provide a tangible guide to navigate invented geographies. An example is a detailed rendering of a continent for a tabletop game, ready for printing and annotating.
The utility of such visual aids lies in their ability to enhance immersion and facilitate collaborative storytelling. They offer a framework for organizing narratives within a structured environment. Historically, creators have employed similar methods to illustrate literary settings, aiding reader comprehension and enriching the overall experience.
The following sections will explore the various types, design considerations, and practical applications associated with creating and utilizing these cartographic resources for fictional world design.