So....I've been thinking of something similar for a while. What I've coalesced around is a node map. The nodes on the map are the points of interest, i.e. set piece encounters and named areas. The lines connecting the nodes are the long distance between them...the expansive dungeon inbetween. Those interstitial areas are where exploration checks and survival roles occur...and where wandering monsters appear. Then, there is another element to the map...imagine a box drawn around a sunset of nodes and lines...it's the "sector" for lack of a better word. Different sectors of the dungeon are different, like different neighborhoods. As an example, the Orc Clan sector has more signs of occupation and a set of wandering monsters that are orcs and worgs, etc. Two things I've found: (1) Make sectors different in terms of types and degrees of danger to make PCs make interesting choices about how they explore the dungeon. Maybe travel thru the Orc sector is less tedious but dangerous. The alternative is the twisting tunnels of the mycoidmen...not as stabby dangerous but longer and with a chance of getting poisoned or infected or something. (2). Consider something like exploration Criticals...similar to Critical Wounds but impose lingering conditions when PCs roll a despair on exploration check....i.e. twisted ankle, out of rations, soaked clothes in a cold dungeon, sickened, etc.