I assume that most mapping is by description.
This seems like it would be perfect for Point Crawl style mapping.

Is there a better way that people use?

I'm not even sure what 'Point Crawl' mapping is...can you expand on this for those of us unfamiliar with the term?

In reply to facemaker329 (msg # 2):

In sandbox RPG design, we’ve got some basic methodologies.
The Point Crawl is tying Points of Interest together for use as a "map".
"From where you are you can reach the following ... and it will take you ... to get there."
It is called "Path Crawl" when you describe the "path" in front of the characters to choose from and not the destination.

References:
http://hillcantons.blogspot.co...wl-series-index.html
http://detectmagic.blogspot.com/2014/04/pathcrawl.html
This message was last edited by the user at 19:40, Sat 26 Nov 2016.