When I read that a map is 8x1, 16 bit, what exactly does the 8x1 part mean?
I know what 16 bit is. I suspect 8x1 is like a one-dimensional array. Is that right? 8 of what, 16 bit values? So 16 bytes, or 128 bits?
So if some map were, let's say, 8x4, is that a two-dimensional array with 8 columns and 4 rows?
I've never messed with speedo calculations so I'll answer your map questions:
Yes. You are correct.
Furthermore:
A one dimensional array takes one input to generate one output.
A two dimensional array takes two inputs to generate one output.