Map Variety: Why?

[James Gryphon]

If we assume that the maps at the beginning of the books were real maps from the Redwall world, the explanation is fairly simple.

The thing to remember is that maps in the real world weren't particularly consistent or high-quality for much of known history, up until probably the Renaissance. Sometimes a map could be wildly wrong and have nothing to do with reality (like pre-Age of Discovery maps of America -- "here be dragons!"); other times it could be just a few miles off. Very seldom would it be precise enough to give you perfect directions. It's easy to forget all of that in the modern age, where basically the only map-related question is what projection you want to use.

It makes sense that maps of the Redwall world would be slightly different, because the mapmakers, their understanding of the world, and their abilities would all be different.

For true aberrations (like the Mattimeo/Loamhedge thing), the creator of the map (both in Redwall's world and the real world) simply made a mistake. In that case we go to the accounts of the creatures who were actually there (like Matthias and company) and figure out the truth.

[Romsca]

You would think the Redwallers would just use old maps though

[Tiria Wildlough]

The maps are just references so that you can have a bit of orientation as you read the story. It would be nice if they were consistent, but it doesn't really matter.

[LordTBT]

You know the maps that are at the beginning of the books? Any one notice how every single one has noticeable landmarks in different places on the maps?

Despite the fact that they are all drawn by different artists, don't you think they could have referenced the others to make them less confusing?
For example, in Loamhedge, the badger and bell rocks are on the near side of the gorge, when in Mattimeo they are on the far side. What gives?
Also, Salamandastron, Redwall, and the other places tend to move around. While natural creations such as mountains and gorges and rivers can change their course and position, it takes several years, while the lifespan of the creatures in Redwall are measured in seasons, a quarter of a year.
Gah, I know I overreact, but this bugs me.

It is a bit of an overreaction. Some artists don't like to be influenced by the work of others so that their own style can shine on its own.

E.g., you might find an actor in the remake of a movie who has never seen the original.

You might even find a writer (like Brian Jacques) who doesn't read other books in the same genre because he doesn't want to be influenced by them.

Like any artist, writer, actor, or director, the illustrators of Redwall put their own interpretation into each map. Quite simple.