Hi @kdwoell, welcome to the BabylonJS forum.
I think… what you seek… is often called a “minimap”. Although your 2-canvas approach is interesting, it can also be a challenge and have difficulties.
I suggest you use this link… to search for all playgrounds that mention “minimap” in the code: https://doc.babylonjs.com/playground/?code=minimap
Let’s also search for all playgrounds with “minimap” in their title:
https://doc.babylonjs.com/playground/?bjsq=minimap
Let’s search our forum for the term “minimap”: Search results for 'minimap' - Babylon.js
And, reluctantly, we’ll search our older forum… for the same: Showing results for 'minimap'. - HTML5 Game Devs Forum
Lots of “minimap” talk, eh? nod. Another good search term… is “viewport”.
Look at this example: https://www.babylonjs-playground.com/#J597MF#10
See line 95? mm (minimap) viewport command. We even have docs that talk about viewports.
Here’s another example: https://www.babylonjs-playground.com/#1OQMIG#3
See line 24? Yet another “viewport” usage.
And layerMasks can get involved. Layers/masks are used on nodes (mesh, lights, cams) to show/hide nodes. For example, you might want only SOME things shown in the mini-map (like trails thru forests)… but not ALL things (like where enemy are hiding).
These methods (viewports) are used to AVOID using 2-canvas’s. You will likely want to stay with your 2-canvas system, because you are familiar with it. But… once you learn about BJS viewports and other methods of making mini-maps… you will have more power and less problems.
Another example: https://www.babylonjs-playground.com/#17DP89#42
See the viewport command in line 19? Yep. ONE canvas, but the BabylonJS engine is able to “talk-to” two or more viewports. I suggest taking the time to learn about viewports and see other people’s minimaps.
Important Note: scene.activeCameras (an array - notice plural property name) and scene.activeCamera (not an array - not plural)… are important properties for viewports. And the ORDER of the cameras that get pushed-into scene.activeCameras… is important. You will be experimenting with these two scene properties… if/when you start working with viewports.
If you REALLY like pain, check out @Gijs custom GUI-2d control (widget)… which SEEMS to allow a mini-map… inside of a GUI-2d button! VERY advanced stuff… it makes my brain hurt… but it’s marvelous.
I hope I’ve been helpful, but more-likely, I have given you a brain tumor. Sorry. Be patient with yourself. Good luck. Let’s ask other forum members… WHO has a great-working mini-map system that we can borrow/learn-from? Please share. Thanks!