For the map's size it's not entirely important. Whatever works best (easiest to script). Be awesome if i could add an option in the menu that when i click it it displays the map to the right. But that might be too much work. So anyway of getting the map to appear by a keystroke, otherwise, works for me. Can be full sized or not.
For the dot it doesn't have to show the players exact position on the image of the map. Just as long as its on a different location each time you enter a new map / stage.
That first link, tutorial looks exactly like what im trying to achieve! Thanks! I'll test it out and hopefully it'll work error free