Treasure maps are maps that guide readers to the location of a hidden treasure, though deciphering the instructions may be difficult. They are integral components of pirate worlds but are common in other genres as well. Treasure maps may be torn, bloody, or dirty. They may depict an actual map, a series of riddles, or both. Portions of the map may be written or drawn in ink that can only be seen under certain conditions or at certain times (such as during a full moon or when held close to fire). Treasure maps may provide clues on the traps, leviathans, treacherous waters, or other obstacles or hazards on the way to a treasure. They may lead to a treasure island.

Often treasure maps are a series of clues, puzzles, or riddles, that must be solved in proper order to correctly discover the location of the treasure. These steps may include taking a certain number of paces from a known location, being at a site at a certain time (low tide for example), or placing an object on a statue.

Treasure maps depict the local terrain. This may include islands and archipelagos ending in a treasure island, or the map could lead through a desert, jungle, or cave system. Consider the route (or hidden routes) a treasure map details. Terrain features, particularly waterfalls, sea caves, and ship graveyards, may be common.

Treasure maps may work in conjunction with other items – a coin that work as key, a broken spyglass that reveals a safe route across hazardous terrain, or a compass that only points to a guardian leviathan.