Here's a picture the devs should really look over when making the minimap

[Wargrim]

I 100% agree with the OP. A minimap needs a lot of functionality and information. If you are worried about overloading it and confusing players not used to it, there is a very simple fix: Allow the players to set filters, just like with the large map at GDC.
( And the large map should also show a topographic map, and not just plain blue imho. )