The Maps Need More Details

The maps in TS4 have too few details. They're less detailed than all previous games. Yes, they're even less detailed than the maps of TS1 (and back then you couldn't even see things outside of the entered lot).

The TS4 maps are too artistical, in my opinion, and it looks a bit odd that the maps are so artistical when the lots, as seen on the maps, are so detailed. Also, the artistical maps don't look like the actual worlds. Take for example Courtyard Lane (Pancakes' neighbourhood) in Willow Creek, there there's a wide and straight river, but on the map the river is quite crooked. Also, from the map you can't tell that Sage Estates (Spencer-Kim-Lewis' neighbourhood) has a swamp-like river.

But, let's talk about something else than taste and non-accuracy. The current maps are also very unpractical. For example, say that you want to visit a specific fishing spot but you don't remember where it is. You'll get no clues from the maps, except for maybe knowing which world to look in. If you're unlucky there'll be a lot of loading screens until you find the right spot.

The only reason I can see for the maps to look like this is because of the minimalistic design-style TS4 has, as you can see in the graphic profile (especially for expansion packs now having the same colour themes, and the new plumbob looks less 3D), CAS (it's just blue), moodlets (monochromatic) and so on. So, I can see the reasoning behind the maps looking like they do, but I still think they could've made them looking more accurate at the very least.

The worlds in TS4 are absolutely stunning (Have you seen Glimmerbrook in the winter? *o*), it's sad that the maps don't look good when there's so much potential!

My suggestion is that the maps should be re-made. Less artistic, more details, more accuracy. They can of course still be just pictures.