Treasure hunting...?

I just unlocked it last night. I had never heard of getting treasure maps before. How does it all work? Are they fun to do? Get cool stuff? I'm really curious. I played ultimate online way back in the day and used to love doing their treasure maps and find SOS bottles fishing.

Treasure maps can be obtained by any of the DoL classes once they get to level 36.
There are 5 types of maps. There are some more details about the types and possible loot at http://ffxiv.consolegameswiki.com/wiki/Treasure_Hunt
Note that the loot is generally either for crafting or minions.
You can only have 1 of each type of map at a time. You can only find 1 map every 18 hours.
The first step to using a map is deciphering it. You can only have 1 deciphered at a time. When you decipher a map it will show a portion of a map with an "X" on it. You need to figure out where in the region the "X" actually is and go there. Once in the area you can "Dig" to look for the chest. Once the chest appears you have 5 minutes.
Trying to open the chest will summon monsters - either 1 big one or 3 waves. Each map type recommends a different level/party for trying to defeat the monsters.
If the 5 minutes expires or everyone dies/leaves the zone then the map is gone. If you defeat the monsters before the 5 minutes is up, you can open the chest. Many items will be randomly distributed to party members but the special loot will be available for Need/Greed/Pass like standard chests.

Thanks for replying... I'm still confused, you say DoL classes, can myWAR find them? If so does he find them randomly on a monster? Can I buy treasure maps off people?

Try this link http://www.ffxivguild.com/ffxiv-trea...tions-rewards/

DoL refers to Disciples of the Land. Miner Botanist and Fisher only. You can buy the maps from the markets though, search "Timeworn" and you'll see all 5.

DoL, or Disciples of Land are gatherers, and they find maps semi-randomly on high level nodes. You can buy maps, but they can be expensive.

Finding the maps is a solo activity for gathering classes, but then using the map to find treasure (and fight the mobs guarding that treasure) is a group activity for combat classes. So anyone who finds a map needs to put a group together to do the actual treasure-hunting part.

So while your Warrior wouldn't find maps (unless you diversify further to pick up a Disciple of the Land class), he can still go treasure hunting with friends who have maps. It's the sort of thing often done with FC-mates or sometimes through Party Finder.

EDIT:
Oh, after checking that guide, I guess I was wrong about maps necessarily needing a group for the treasure hunting. Those are just the types of maps I've heard about the most, but it depends on the map type whether you can collect the treasure solo or need a group for it. My previous comment still holds true for at least some of the maps, and it is something I've seen FCs set up recurring groups for.

Awesome, that's why I ask here, u guys are resourceful and very helpful.

And have. Baby of u done one? Is it worth the Gil, and time? If I can buy one maybe ill do that if u guys think it might be fun.

Maps have the potential to be quite profitable, but that is only potential. I will add, however, that the amount of gil rewarded does not appear to be split (everyone in the party receives the full amount.) Hence, it makes sense to get a party of 8 to run around doing them.