Automap

The automap is a map displayed when the user presses the tab key. As all levels in Doom are flat when viewed from above this is a relatively easy task, compared to later games which were true 3D and so difficult to render a map automatically for.

The map shows all segs (segments of wall) the player has seen. Therefore while it is possible to walk around with the automap function turned on, the map itself will not update, as the lines shown in the map are marked by the rendering process, which does not occur while the automap is turned on.

Lines can be flagged by the authors of levels so as not to appear on the automap. Such lines are not displayed even if the computer map powerup is picked up. However, the IDDT cheat will display all lines.

The automap is color-coded. Red indicates a solid wall. Yellow indicates a change in ceiling height (eg. a door). Brown indicates a change in floor height. Light grey indicates an area which has not yet been visited (made known via the computer map powerup).

To avoid giving away secrets, secret doors are typically marked so as to appear red on the map like a solid wall.