Empty Map turtle shell for crafts measuring approximately 8 inches long by 6-1/4 inches wide. Review all photos. Map turtle shells are used in Native American arts and crafts and are collected by turtle lovers. Map turtles follow the general body plan of the more common sliders and painted turtles. However, unlike those turtles, most Map turtles have a well-defined keel running down the middle of the carapace. In a number of species this keel also has rather large knobs or spines jutting upward or backward. This feature is responsible for the Map turtles' other common name: Sawback turtles