Treasure maps have taken on numerous permutations in literature and film, such as the stereotypical tattered chart with an over-sized ‘X’ (as in - X marks the spot) to denote the treasure's location, first made popular by Robert Louis Stevenson in Treasure Island.

‘I hear we are going after treasure -- hear it from my own hands, mind you. Now, treasure is a ticklish work; I don't like treasure voyages on any account, and I don't like them, above all, when they are secret and when (begging your pardon, Mr. Trelawney) the secret has been told to the parrot.’

Robert Louis Stevenson ~ Treasure Island