Empathy Map as alternative or addition to (ad hoc) personas?

Would you say an Empathy Map is an alternative approach to (ad hoc) personas or is it kind of an addition when you already have created personas (first the personas, second the empathy maps)? Like described here: http://www.cooper.com/journal/2014/5/persona-empathy-mapping

It's a little bit confusing for me. I want to create personas, starting from zero. I'm thinking about using an Empathy Map or ad hoc personas like described here: https://uxmag.com/articles/using-proto-personas-for-executive-alignment

What do you think I should start with? Thanks!