Once you explore a large part of the Minecraft overworld, maps suddenly become essential items. Without them, it's hard to remember where everything is, from certain biomes to specific structures. Yet, unless you choose to spawn with a map and manage to hold onto it, you're going to need to create one.
There are two types of craftable maps in the Bedrock edition of the game: the empty map and the empty locator map (called 'empty map' in the Java edition). The main difference between the two is that the latter includes markers that tell you where things are located. As a result, it's the more complicated one to make.
But this guide will go over everything that's needed to create both of them. Also, it should be noted that explorer and treasure maps can't be crafted, so they're ignored for this guide.
Making Paper
Regardless of which map you aim to create, you're going to need some paper. This means you'll first have to get a decent amount of sugar cane.
Groups of the resource grow near water, although they're not always easy to find. In fact, it might take you a fair bit of searching before you can locate some. When you do, however, make sure to harvest it all. You won't get enough from one group of sugar cane, yet you can re-plant some closer to your home base to grow more.
Once you've gathered nine pieces of the stuff, separate them into three stacks and place them in a horizontal line across your crafting table. That will make nine pieces of paper.
How To Create An Empty Map (Bedrock Edition Only)
The empty map doesn't show markers like the other one. Yet, you can still use it to see the terrain and any big structures. What's more, you only need paper to create it. A lot of paper, however, as you must fill the entire crafting table to forge the map.
You can also add markers to it at any time by combining it with a compass on a crafting table or by using an anvil. This process transforms it into an empty locator map. So, there's no issue with making this one early as you can always upgrade it later.
How To Create An Empty Locator Map
Markers are the main selling point of this map as they highlight the important things like yourself and other players. Although to get that feature, you need a compass.
The resources you need for the navigation device are four iron ingots and one piece of Redstone dust. You'll need to roam beneath the surface to find and mine these materials. Once you've got them, though, all you need to do is place the Redstone dust in the center of the crafting table and form a diamond shape around it with the iron ingots.
Then with the paper and compass in hand, you're ready to make the map. Simply put the compass in the middle of the crafting table, and place eight pieces of paper all around it. With this map, you should have no problem navigating the game's many biomes.