One of the previews today mentioned the local maps are 2D. I think it was the Eurogamer one.

At the moment, since it isn't Oblivion and I'm not used to it, I'm not fond of it. But I bet once I get used to the one in Skyrim, I will hate the Oblivion one.

I'm sure I'll end up putting the paper map on the wall behind my monitor so i can look at it as I play. It just feels a bit more like exploration that way.

Although it is more modern and may feel out-of-place, It seems much more useful - to me - than a paper map where atleast this time around I'll know better what side of the mountain Im on and what trail can be used to safetly run down and or avoid certain obstacles.

If its not what some may want, there are mods for the PC users. Someone else also said there are other physical maps available in Skyrim?

That's the whole problem though, I don't want it to tell me exactly where to go. I want to explore for myself.

Love it! I like being able to see the topography and what's ahead so I know what route to take. And yes, you are right about it taking away from the adventuring aspect of the game. But I'm sure they won't be showing us things on it that haven't yet been discovered.

If it's such a concern just roleplay that you can use remote viewing. :facepalm:

I personally like it.

They kind of got it reversed. The overworld map is 3d while interior map is 2d according to the IGN preview. I prefer it the other way round because 2d maps arent really helpfully for multiple-level dudgeons or buildings.

LOVE it - slightly evokes the feeling of Civ 5's interface, which I like very much.

I like the various icons for each location as well. For example, the symbol for the location "Morthal" (link: http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1216764-morthal-and-fort-snowhawk/ )suggests something completely different from the forts or cities we've seen, perhaps some sort of dungeon, or maybe even the base of power of Jsashe's infamous Witches' Coven, or The Horme, if either of those groups make an appearance in Skyrim.

What would be beyond amazing is if there are different icons for the major factions in the game. I'm not talking about the guild factions, but the factions related to locations and quests. For example certain areas might be controlled by Rebels, Empire, or perhaps the shields represent the coats of arms of the Jarls of each of the Nine Hold, etc.

I agree. The Skyrim map is beauty but just gives away to much. I want the paper map so it keeps the mystery up.

I recall reading that there is a "fog of war" feature, so you can only see the areas you have already discovered.

If so, it would be much better at prolonging the sense of mystery compared with Oblivion, since the entire map is visible from the start of Oblivion.

The fog covers the map until you've been to the area, so it doesn't give anything away.

I think its very cool.

I'm sure someone will make a paper map mod too, if its not an option.

You can still see the trails and such which ruins it for me.

I like a wise man should, will be open to the new map and hold all judgments and opinions to myself before I say... "Dumit I rlyz liked ta' 2d map why did Beth cash out?" Other wise my one gripe is wtf beth no spears?

Are you certain? I haven't seen any screens with the fog so far.

Do you have a link?

i like it for what it is, but i'd agree that it probably would cut down on exploration. unless the fog means you haven't been there yet.

It's either gonna be one of 2 ways:

1] The areas that were foggy means that you haven't visited those areas yet, which drives you to truley adventure and discover all that Skyrim has to offer

2] You'll be able to adjust the map, making the clouds/fog transparent

I like the map specifically because it looks cool.

I am not feeling any desire to use the 3D map, which is precisely why I like it. As I understand it, if you pre-order the game, you get both a cloth and paper map. Well, I've pre-ordered, and my cloth map will remain unmarked, but I'll be filling out the paper one with all the major landmarks I come across as I play. If mountains and such aren't already drawn in, I may do that myself, too. I'll use the 3D map to make sure I mark the positions accurately, but otherwise, I'll be trying to rely on real material to help with navigation.

It's something I always considered doing with my map of Cyrodiil, but never did because I didn't want to mess it up. I only have one, after all.

Is your character a cyborg who can see a bar telling him exactly how much magicka he has left, and a digital catalogue of his inventory, and the ability to instantaneously know the name of the person he's looking at even if he's never seen him before in his entire life? Non of this user interface stuff makes any sense!

You don't like it because you think it's not in line with the aesthetic of a fantasy game. Just say that next time. I like it lots. Much better than the crappy and largely worthless maps in Morrowind and Oblivion.

That ^
Well... the first paragraph. I still don't like the map, but not for that kind of reason.

Those conventions that you listed are necessary in order to give the player information that would usually be obvious to him in real life (except for people's names, what's up with that eh). This satellite view map isn't comparable, it's completely unnecessary and exists only to look cool.

Those things do not compare, at all. The UI has and always will be the part where it is most apparent you are playing a game. AKA least immersed. But with a map there is a clear alternative to this, a way to make it seem organic. Instead they decided on going with what looks coolest.

I'll be fine with it, by the way. As I love every TES game for what it is, however the OP asked what I thought about it, and I'm simply telling. As I said, this is the seriously the only thing I've seen so far that has disappointed me. It is by no means a dealbreaker.

they should make the whole map covered in clouds and as you discover land it will be unclouded