We examine the role of the Engrailed homeobox gene in establishment of local tectal topography. In the mesencephalon, a gradient of Engrailed appears early and defines the rostrocaudal axis of the tectum. Various experiments that cause ectopic Engrailed expression cause predictable readjustments of the retinotectal map. The newly discovered 'realisators' of the retinotopic map, such as receptor tyrosine kinase ligands ELF-1 and RAGS could be controlled directly by Engrailed. Indeed, recent results show that Engrailed regulates the expression of these ligands. The Engrailed gradient itself appears to be set up by signals including FGF8 and WNTI, allowing us to begin to trace the molecular cascade that is responsible for the correct wiring of the visual projection back into the early embryo.