Because circle button does exactly that - 180 degree turn. X is used for action/inspect.
Hmm, I dont remember if I tried X button on the map. I know that few other ones did take me out of map menu. Oh well, I think you right, and I will try it at home tonight. Without map it little disorienting, while running in the dark, from the dogs, trying to conserve the gun ammo.
Mall has like a million of these doors, and its only a first area !!! Judging what door you need is quite hard, especially as I said, when being chased by the doggies. And spinning camera tricks just add to the frustration. Its a good game, but these little things are irritating.
