map out

Chart a course

To map out is to plan something in detail, visualizing the whole as if creating a map: We mapped out our route across the country, She mapped out her career goals for the next five years.

The phrase implies careful, systematic planning rather than vague intentions.

planning

strategy

Planned approach to goals

outlineSummary of key elements
blueprintDetailed technical drawing
draftPreliminary version of text

scheme · framework · roadmap · agenda · timeline · milestones · objectives · goals · phases · steps

design

sketch

Hasty informal drawing

layoutSpatial arrangement of elements
diagramSimplified explanatory sketch
schematicSimplified technical diagram

prototype · rendering · conceptualize · visualize · architectural · CAD · elevation · section · floor plan · site plan

navigation

route

Path from A to B

itineraryPlanned sequence of destinations
journeyTravel from place to place
trekArduous overland journey

directions · waypoints · coordinates · terrain · landmarks · bearings · trail · path · course · destination

Categories

planningplan, planned, planners, to-do lists, calendars
thinkingthinking, reasoning, thought, ponder, contemplate
getting organizedget organized, in order, put in place, straighten up, tidy up
getting startedgetting started, start, begin, first steps, basics
block outcover, hide, mask, screen, shroud
boundariesboundary, boundary line, borders, border, edges

Opposites

planning vs. spontaneity

map outimprovise

Perform without preparation

wing it · play it by ear · ad-lib · extemporize · fly by the seat of one's pants

clarity vs. vagueness

map outobscure

Unknown to most

muddle · leave to chance · confuse · disorganize · jumble

organization vs. disorder

map outjumble

Confused disorderly collection

throw together · muddle through · scramble · disorganize

Family

out, maps, mapped, mapping, map, unmapped, mappers, remapped, mapper

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G