The Astral Map can access data from a TARDIS's Scanner, Astrosextant Rectifier, Time/Place Orientation Printout, Absolute Tesseractulator, Time Scanner, Emergency Tranceiver, and Information Banks. This data can then presented to the operator. Star systems are noted in simplified 4 digit coordinate systems (e.g. 0069 for Atrios/Zeos, 4180 for Cyrrenhis Minima, and 4940 for Ribos). More detailed coordinates are needed to actually visit a specific place in those systems.

Since the Astral Map is mounted on wheels, the data can be viewed any room in a TARDIS which is equipped with power outlets for the Map's time-space plugs. With long enough leads it is even possible to remove the Astral Map from a TARDIS. Data from the Astral Map can also be displayed on the Scanner screen.