The following is an essay on map creation written by editor Selva. It contains a broad survey of various cartographic practices and issues found on the Yume Wiki, categorized by issue type, with analysis and recommended alternative practices.
To avoid this piece becoming a list of actual editors' crimes and creating a permanent wall of shame, all images of problematic map practices included have been created specifically for this essay's purpose, and do not represent any maps used currently or formerly on the wiki. Most images are going to represent the most extreme examples of the practices outlined below, so forgive us if we get a little silly.
The Ideal Map
[...]
There is no one ideal method that can be used for every world in a Yume Nikki fangame. Every map will require its own special considerations to ensure maximum clarity and utility, and even then, they are subjective.
However, we can tell you what they probably aren't.
Issues with Labels and Text Boxes
The International Map of Mystery
Wherein no labels are used.
[Funny title involving badges being outlined]
Riddle Me This
Wherein important conditions are omitted.
The Total Eclipse
Wherein labels obscure the things they're supposed to be pointing out.
[Size Joke]
Wherein labels are sized disproportionately to their usefulness.
Claustrophobia
Wherein text is packed too tightly.
[Color Coding Problems]
Rainbow Connection
Wherein the cartographer cannot control their urges to use the hex editor.
[Bad font choice]
The John Hancock
Wherein labels are written by hand.
Problems with Connections
I Cooka da Spaghetti
Wherein innumerable connecting lines destroy a map's visual clarity.
The Ball of Yarn
Wherein innumerable connecting lines are color-coded to no purpose.
[Not mentioning one-way connections]
The Invisible Bridge
Wherein connecting lines do not contrast sufficiently with their backgrounds.
The Graffito
Wherein connecting lines pass cover important things.
The Pestilence
Wherein there are colored dots.