Using the Map

Learn to navigate the galaxy map in Elite Dangerous. Discover controls for movement, zoom, rotation, and how to issue commands to your squad.

The Map in Elite Dangerous is a crucial tool for navigation and squad management. Use it frequently to orient yourself, track your position relative to important locations, and issue basic commands to your squad. While the AI's capabilities are limited, you can direct your team to move to specific points.

Controls:

Analog Stick: Move the pointer on the map.

A Button: Select an icon or confirm a command.

B Button: Cancel the current action or go back.

X Button: Delete an order or command.

L Trigger + Analog Stick: Move the map view around.

L Trigger + A Button: Rotate and zoom the map.

Keyboard Controls:

Spacebar: Open or close the Map.

Esc: Cancel the current action.

Del: Delete an order.

Map Icons:

Position the pointer over an icon and press 'A' to activate its function:

• Checkmark: Quits Map mode and returns you to the game.
• Round Arrow: Rotates the map.
• +/-: Zooms the map in or out.
• Up and Down Arrows: Switch between different levels when viewing multi-story buildings.

Programming Soldiers:

You can program your soldiers to perform tasks using the In-Game Map. While advanced programming is possible, you'll rarely need more than basic movement or follow commands. To program soldiers, use the Map Command Icons displayed vertically on the left side of the map screen:

• Move: Direct a soldier to move to a specific location on the map. Click this command, then click the desired destination on the map.
• Follow: Have a soldier follow another unit. Click this command, then click on the soldier symbol you want them to follow.
• Use: Order a soldier to interact with something on the map, such as a piece of equipment.
• Use Inventory: Instruct a soldier to use an item from their inventory.
• Attack: If enemies are visible on the map, this command orders soldiers to attack them.
• Guard: The soldier will hold their current position and guard the surrounding area.
• Wait: Interrupts any current action (moving, guarding, etc.) and makes the soldier wait.
• Stand: Orders the soldier to stand up.
• Kneel: Orders the soldier to kneel.
• Prone: Orders the soldier to lie in a prone position.