a representation of the surface of the earth, or of some portion of it, showing the relative position of the parts represented; -- usually on a flat surface. also, such a representation of the celestial sphere, or of some part of it.-anything which represents graphically a succession of events, states, or acts; as, an historical map.-to represent by a map; -- often with out; as, to survey and map, or map out, a county. hence, figuratively: to represent or indicate systematically and clearly; to sketch; to plan; as, to map, or map out, a journey; to map out business.