What is defined as a visual representation of the features of an area of the earth or a portion of the heavens?

A map is defined as a visual representation that illustrates the features of a specific area of the Earth or a part of the heavens. Maps serve various purposes, such as navigation, geographical understanding, and resource management, offering detailed information about topography, landmarks, boundaries, and other significant attributes of the represented area.

Charts are typically associated with navigational or technical contexts, often used for marine or aeronautical navigation, but they do not broadly represent features as maps do. Diagrams usually simplify complex information and may not depict geographic areas comprehensively. Blueprints are precise architectural or engineering drawings that detail the design specifications of structures, rather than serving as a general representation of geographic features. Thus, a map is the most comprehensive and suitable term for what a visual representation of area features entails.