OK, so I've noticed this a few times now.
Researching up the Kingdom/Amarian Adventure tree, when I research the first level, I see a bunch of 'huts' show up that provide quests, as well as a few notable locations (level 0 & 1 I think). I haven't noticed any Level 2 locations showing up at this point, although there may be a few.
When I research the NEXT tech level, and achieve Level 2 locations, a whole bunch of level 3 locations show up, but very few (usually none?) level 2 locations appear.
So, I research Adventure tech AGAIN to take advantage of these new Level 3 locations, which then seems to spawn Level 2 locations...
Sound familiar to anyone?