>>A minimap would probably be possible, but you'd still need many FindObject calls I guess :/

had an idea for this regarding a overview map: Every important object has a invisible object attached to it that is a icon for the map.
Now, when you press a map button, lets say [M], the following happens:

* The FoW is covering all your view, so everything is black
* The player's camera zooms out until the whole map is in view (or a big chunk)
* You can now see all the icons attached to important objects like allied clonks, game objectives, respawn bases etc.
* A single graphic is layered over the FoW which is essentially a nice to look at, simplified screenshot of the entire map

Press [M] again, and you return to normal view.
Tada, you have a complete map overview by just showing... the real map instead of drawing a minimap =P

Well, it whould be a damn-good use for your zooming function at least, dunno how feasible it is though.