It's not remotely close, but now that there are lots of other constructions in that area (edit: between your place and the spawn I mean), it's much more relatively closer compared to where I might have to go to start building.
As for the map making things obvious. It might be obvious to you, but I have no idea what your future intentions are for the land you've already built on. And the terrain might be unlimited, but when you have empty pockets and no way to quick travel somewhere, it suddenly becomes much more of an issue. Once you're well established and have resources pouring out everywhere it's a little bit different.
Maybe the spawn should be moved and a DMZ (non-build) area put around it. The only thing that can be built there is a mine cart line that connects to the network?
EDITED: 27 Jul 2011 11:11 by MATT