In Minecraft, players can craft maps using one compass and eight pieces of paper at a Crafting Table. An alternative method involves creating an Empty Map with nine pieces of paper, which does not track the player. To add a player tracker to an Empty Map, combine it with a compass at a Crafting Table. Maps can be upgraded up to four times using a Cartography Table by placing the map in the top left slot and adding a piece of paper to the bottom left slot. Players can name their maps while using the Cartography Table for a personal touch.