Integrated intensity maps of methyl cyanide J = 6_K−5_K emission across the Orion KL region. Contours are plotted at the 3-sigma level ( K km s^-1; grey lines) and from 20 to 140 in 20 K km s^-1 intervals (white lines). The positions of the hot core and compact ridge are indicated by a red plus sign and a diagonal cross, respectively. The locations of radio continuum sources BN, I, and n are also marked on each panel by white triangles. Peaks 1 and 2 of the H₂ emission are indicated by white stars and the condensation CS1 is marked by a white cross. Extended emission to the northeast of the hot core is clearly visible in the lower K transitions.