SMALL MAPS OR LARGE MAPS.

It's usually way easier to make a zone into lots of smaller maps. It keeps you from having to actually connect every single little detail. The edge of the grass on this map doesn't have to perfectly align with the edge of the grass on the previous map, and larger-scale changes like coloration can change when you go to the next room instead of having a gradual transition. Also, if you happen to have Zelda-style tools, it's SO much easier to split things up into rooms - because the edge of the room becomes an impassable wall that no arrows or hookshots or whatever can go past. This simplifies things a lot, especially when you have multiple heights.

There's certainly some benefit to combining it all into a big room, though, especially if you have puzzles that require a lot of back-and-forth. It can make things feel more connected.