Handbook

MapAPlace handbook

See what each current setting changes in the editor, what visitors see on a published map, and what happens when a setting is empty or switched off.

Module switched ONThe module becomes active for this map.

Editor panel becomes availableYou can configure that module.

Published feature can runSaved output appears after publishing.

Camera and setting changes appear in the editor immediately where noted, but visitors see saved changes only after the map is published.

Free version

The features and limits included in MapAPlace now.

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Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
IncludedMaps Up to 3 maps	EditorCreate and manage up to 3 maps from your account.	PublishedEach published map has its own public link.	LimitThe free account limit prevents creating a fourth map.
IncludedMarkers and Categories Up to 100 markers per map	EditorAdd and organise up to 100 markers and their categories.	PublishedPublished markers use their saved content, category and style.	Free onlyPremium or planned modules are not documented as part of the free editor.
WorkflowSave · Preview · Publish	EditorSave draft changes, preview the visitor view, and decide when to publish.	PublishedVisitors continue seeing the last published revision until you publish again.	DraftUnsaved or unpublished changes are not shown at the public link.

Module switches

Markers and Categories are included with every map.

Map modules

Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
Markers Enabled by default	EditorThe Markers panel and Markers settings are available.	PublishedSaved markers can appear on the published map.	OffThe marker panel and marker layer are inactive.
Categories Enabled by default	EditorThe Categories panel and marker category selector are available.	PublishedAssigned marker categories can provide shared styling.	OffCategory controls are unavailable and saved category assignments are inactive.

Map settings

Controls the saved Camera view, standard-map detail and the controls available to visitors.

Always available

Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
TextMap name Required · Maximum 160 characters	EditorNames the map in the editor and map list.	PublishedIdentifies the map wherever the publishing integration displays its name.	RequiredA map requires a name before it can be saved.
Use kilometres OFF uses miles	EditorDistance settings and previews use kilometres. This control appears above Zoom Buttons.	PublishedFilter distances and the Distance Scale are shown and calculated in kilometres.	OffFilter distances and the Distance Scale use miles.
SliderZoom Settings preview mode	EditorUpdates the live Camera view preview and follows zoom changes made directly on the map.	PublishedSets the saved loading zoom for the published map.	Not savedThe preview value is not retained until Save Camera View is selected.
SliderTilt Settings preview mode	EditorTilts the live Camera view preview from top-down to an angled view and follows map tilt changes.	PublishedSets the saved loading tilt for the published map.	Edit modeClosing Settings returns the editor to top-down mode without discarding the saved tilt.
SliderBearing Settings preview mode	EditorRotates the live Camera view preview and follows bearing changes made directly on the map.	PublishedSets the saved loading direction for the published map.	Edit modeClosing Settings returns the editor to north-up mode without discarding the saved bearing.
ActionSave Camera View	EditorSaves the current map centre, Zoom, Tilt and Bearing, then saves and publishes the map.	PublishedDefines the published map's default loading camera.	Not savedCamera preview changes remain temporary until this action is selected.
Zoom Buttons	EditorNo additional settings appear.	PublishedThe zoom-in and zoom-out buttons are shown.	OffThe buttons are hidden; supported touch, wheel and gesture zoom can still work.
Fullscreen Button	EditorNo additional settings appear.	PublishedVisitors can expand the map to fullscreen.	OffThe fullscreen button is hidden.
Distance Scale	EditorNo additional settings appear.	PublishedA distance scale is displayed and updates with the zoom level.	OffThe distance scale is hidden.
Basemap POIs	EditorStandard basemap points of interest are visible while editing.	PublishedPoints and labels supplied by the standard basemap are shown.	OffThe standard basemap points of interest are hidden.
Basemap buildings Standard basemap detail, not the Buildings module	EditorThe Basemap 3D buildings option becomes available.	PublishedBuildings supplied by the standard basemap are visible.	OffStandard basemap buildings are hidden.
Basemap 3D buildings Basemap buildings ON	EditorSupported standard basemap buildings can be previewed in 3D.	PublishedSupported standard basemap buildings are extruded in 3D.	OffStandard basemap buildings remain visible but flat.
Set Bounds	EditorShows draggable southwest and northeast bounds on the map. Turning it on first uses the current view.	PublishedVisitors cannot pan the published map outside the saved bounds.	OffThe bounds are not enforced, but the saved corners are retained.
ActionSet Bounds To Current View Set Bounds ON	EditorReplaces the saved bounds with the map area currently in view.	PublishedThe updated bounds apply after the map is saved and published.	HiddenThe action is hidden until Set Bounds is enabled.

Markers

Creates markers and controls their initial fit, content, category, popup and style.

Markers module ON

Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
Fit map to markers Markers settings	EditorFits the initial editor view around marker centres from Markers settings; Buildings are excluded.	PublishedOpens the published map fitted around all saved markers.	OffThe saved Camera view controls the initial loading position.
AddAdd marker	EditorCreates a marker on the map and opens its settings.	PublishedThe saved marker appears at its chosen position after publishing.	UnusedNo marker is created until the action is selected.
TextTitle Required · Maximum 160 characters	EditorNames the marker in the list and supplies its title content.	PublishedCan be shown in the marker popup when that field is enabled.	RequiredA marker requires a valid title.
TextareaDescription Maximum 10,000 characters	EditorStores optional descriptive marker content.	PublishedCan be shown in the popup when Description is enabled.	EmptyNo description is added to the popup.
URLLink HTTP or HTTPS · Maximum 2,048 characters	EditorStores an optional HTTP or HTTPS destination.	PublishedCan be shown in the popup when Link is enabled.	EmptyNo link is added to the popup.
Style	EditorShows the marker’s custom Shape, Icon, Icon text and Colour controls.	PublishedThe marker uses its custom style before category or default marker styling.	OffThe marker falls back to an enabled category style and then the marker defaults.
StyleMarker appearance Style ON	EditorSets shape and border radius, icon or short icon text, plus fill, border and text colours. Border radius updates after the slider is released.	PublishedThe marker is drawn with the effective saved appearance.	UnavailableUnavailable while the marker Style switch is off.
Popup	EditorShows the marker popup-content controls.	PublishedSelecting the marker can open its configured popup.	OffNo popup is attached to that marker.
OrderPopup content Popup ON	EditorChooses and orders the available Title, Description and Link fields.	PublishedEnabled fields with saved values appear in the same order.	EmptyNo authored marker fields are added to the popup.

Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
Show legend	EditorAvailable from the Categories settings button.	PublishedShows the saved Categories legend directly below the map.	OffThe Categories legend is hidden.
Hide empty Show legend ON	EditorControls whether unassigned Categories appear in the legend.	PublishedCategories without an assigned active map item are omitted from the legend.	OffAll saved Categories appear in the legend.
AddAdd category	EditorCreates a category and opens it for editing.	PublishedThe category affects markers only after it is assigned and configured.	UnusedNo category is created.
TextName Required · Maximum 120 characters	EditorNames the category in the category list and marker selector.	PublishedIdentifies the saved category used by assigned markers.	RequiredA category requires a valid name.
StyleMarker style	EditorSets the shared shape, border radius, icon and colours for markers assigned to this category.	PublishedAssigned markers use the category style unless their own Style is enabled.	FallbackAssigned markers fall back to their custom style or the marker defaults.
SelectCategory Inside each marker	EditorAssigns the current marker to a category. No category clears the assignment.	PublishedThe marker can use the selected category’s shared style.	No categoryThe marker has no category assignment.

Public access

Controls whether visitors need a password before the map opens.

Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
Password protect map	EditorThe password field appears and requires 8–128 characters.	PublishedVisitors must enter the saved password before the map loads.	OffThe public map has no password gate.
PasswordPassword Password protect map ON	EditorSets or replaces the password. Leaving it blank on an already protected map keeps the current password.	PublishedA successful password unlock grants access to that map for up to eight hours.	RequiredA new protected map cannot be saved without a password.

Save, preview and publish

Controls which revision is private and which revision visitors can see.

Publishing workflow

Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
ActionSave	EditorCreates or updates the saved draft revision.	PublishedSaving alone does not replace the currently published revision.	Not savedUnsaved editor changes remain local to the current editing session.
ActionPreview	EditorOpens the visitor view of the saved map without publishing it.	PublishedThe public link remains unchanged.	Save firstSave the map before previewing.
ActionPublish	EditorMakes the saved revision the current public revision.	PublishedThe public map link displays that published revision.	DraftLater draft changes stay private until they are published.

Filters

The premium Filters extension configures the filtering bar shown directly above the map.

Premium · Filters module ON

Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
Location and distance	EditorShows the Default distance control in the selected Map distance unit.	PublishedShows location search, browser geolocation, the distance slider, selected-location marker and distance circle.	OffLocation search, current location and distance controls are hidden.
SearchLocation search Location and distance ON	EditorNo additional saved setting is required after Location and distance is enabled.	PublishedThe location field first shows an inline Enable location search control. After the visitor reviews the short privacy notice and enables it, the control is replaced by the focused search input. The terms link identifies Photon as the location search provider. Selecting a result sets the filter origin.	Consent firstNo search text is sent to the location search provider until the visitor enables location search. The inline consent control is hidden while Location and distance is off.
ActionUse my location Location and distance ON · Browser permission	EditorNo visitor location is stored with the Map.	PublishedThe crosshair button requests browser geolocation and uses the returned position as the filter origin.	UnavailableIf geolocation is unavailable or permission is not granted, the Map reports that status and keeps the previous filter state.
SliderDefault distance Location and distance ON	EditorSets the initial visitor radius; its miles or kilometres label follows Map options.	PublishedThe selected radius is converted to one canonical distance before marker calculations.	HiddenUnavailable while Location and distance is off.
Map markerSelected location marker Location and distance ON · Location selected	EditorNo marker is saved to the Map; it belongs only to the current visitor's filter session.	PublishedA blue marker shows the selected or current location. Visitors can drag it to choose a custom origin and immediately recalculate the results.	No originThe marker is hidden until a location is selected and is removed by Reset or when Location and distance is off.
Map overlayDistance circle Location and distance ON · Location selected	EditorUses Default distance and the Map's miles or kilometres option.	PublishedA blue circle shows the real-world filtering radius around the selected location and updates as the distance slider moves.	No originThe circle is hidden until a location is selected and is removed by Reset or when Location and distance is off.
Categories	EditorShows the Allow multiple setting.	PublishedVisitors can filter markers by their saved category.	OffThe category filter is hidden.
Allow multiple Categories ON	EditorConfigures category choices as multi-select.	PublishedVisitors can combine several category choices; markers matching any selected category remain visible.	OffVisitors can select one category at a time.
ActionReset	EditorNo saved settings are changed.	PublishedClears the visitor's location and category choices and restores the default distance.	HiddenThe action is unavailable when no filter controls are enabled.

Routes and navigation

The premium Routes and navigation extension creates fixed saved routes between routable places and provides optional visitor routing and live navigation from a visitor's current location.

Premium - Routes and navigation module ON

Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
Front end navigation Front end routing ON	EditorKeeps live navigation available after a visitor previews a route. This setting is on by default.	PublishedA ready visitor route can offer Start navigation, follow the visitor's live location and show journey instructions and progress.	OffStart navigation and live journey progress are unavailable. Fixed saved route lines can still appear.
Front end routing	EditorKeeps visitor route previews available from routable place popups. This setting is on by default.	PublishedSuitable place popups show Show route and calculate a visitor route from the visitor's current location using the configured routing strategy.	OffVisitor route actions are hidden and live navigation is unavailable. Fixed saved route lines can still appear.
SelectRouting provider	EditorSelects OpenStreetMap (OSRM), OpenRouteService / HeiGIT or Google Maps for provider-calculated routes. Changing it recalculates affected saved routes in the editor.	PublishedHandles new visitor route requests when Front end routing is on. Already saved fixed route lines use their published geometry without querying the provider again.	UnavailableProvider routes cannot be calculated while the selected provider is unavailable or incorrectly configured.
SecureRouting provider API key Provider requires a credential	EditorSaves or removes the selected provider's map-specific credential. The editor reports whether it is configured without revealing the stored key.	PublishedAuthorises provider requests that require a credential; the saved key is never included in published map content.	MissingOpenRouteService or Google Maps route calculation fails until a valid key is saved. OSRM does not require a key but its public endpoints have stricter limits.
SelectDefault route type Walking - Cycling - Driving	EditorChooses Walking, Cycling or Driving for each newly created saved route.	PublishedVisitor route previews start with the saved default route type when provider routing is used.	WalkingWalking is used when no different default is saved.
AddAdd route At least two routable places	EditorCreates a fixed saved route that can be named, styled and built from ordered places and waypoints. Up to 50 routes can be stored on one map.	PublishedA completed saved route line appears using its stored geometry, independently of the visitor routing and navigation switches.	UnavailableThe action is unavailable until at least two routable places exist or the map already contains 50 routes.
DetailsName and Route type Inside each saved route	EditorNames the saved route and selects Walking, Cycling or Driving for its calculated path.	PublishedThe saved travel mode determines the fixed path calculated in the editor; the route retains its own name and settings.	IncompleteA route still needs at least two resolved points before geometry can be calculated.
StyleColour, Line width and Stroke width	EditorControls the saved route colour and line widths. Stroke width is available for Walking and Cycling routes.	PublishedThe fixed route line is drawn using the saved style.	DefaultsThe route uses its default line styling.
PointsAdd place and Add waypoint	EditorAdds existing routable places as stops, including the same place more than once, or adds intermediate waypoints by clicking the map. Points can be moved up, moved down or removed, and their saved order defines the journey.	PublishedThe fixed route passes through every resolved place and waypoint in the saved order.	IncompleteA route with fewer than two resolved points cannot be calculated. Each route supports up to 25 points.
Saved dataCalculated route geometry	EditorCalculates route geometry when the provider, route type, ordered points or custom routing strategy changes, then stores cacheable geometry with the map.	PublishedPublished fixed routes render from the stored geometry and do not contact the routing provider just to load the map.	Not calculatedA changed or invalid route remains incomplete until route calculation succeeds.
OrderSaved routes	EditorReorders saved routes in the panel or removes a route from the map.	PublishedRemoved route lines disappear; remaining routes retain their own points, geometry and styles.	EmptyNo fixed route lines appear when the list is empty.

Custom routing

The standalone premium Custom routing extension adds an SVG routing strategy to Routes and navigation. It requires Routes and navigation, but it does not require or belong to Custom Basemap.

Premium - Custom routing and Routes modules ON

Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
Hybrid routing Custom routing and Routes and navigation modules ON	EditorConnects the custom SVG network to the public provider selected under Routes and navigation. This setting is on by default.	PublishedSaved and visitor routes can combine the custom network with provider-calculated sections when a connection is available.	OffRoutes use only the SVG network. The public provider is not called and off-network endpoints use straight connector lines to the chosen custom-network points.
UploadRouting SVG SVG only - Maximum 5 MiB	EditorUploads a validated SVG routing network up to 5 MiB. If Custom Basemap artwork exists its bounds are used initially; otherwise the current map view is used.	PublishedThe routing engine follows supported paths in the saved and geographically placed SVG; the network preview itself is not published as visitor artwork.	EmptyCustom routing has no network to follow, so Routes and navigation continues with its selected provider.
Map editCreate or Edit routing SVG	EditorOpens the vector editor over the map to draw paths, select existing paths, move points and curve handles, finish or cancel drawing, and save a new managed Routing SVG.	PublishedSaved path changes define where custom routes can travel after the map is saved and published.	UnchangedClosing without saving leaves the current managed Routing SVG unchanged.
ActionDownload routing SVG Routing SVG uploaded or created	EditorDownloads the current managed routing network for inspection, backup or editing elsewhere without changing the map.	PublishedDownloading has no published map effect.	HiddenThe action is hidden until a Routing SVG exists.
Preview routing network Routing SVG uploaded or created	EditorDraws the SVG network over the editor map for alignment checks and shows move and scale handles while the Custom routing panel is open.	PublishedThe editor-only routing-network preview and placement handles are never published.	OffThe editor overlay and placement handles are hidden without disabling custom route calculation.
HandlesMove and scale routing artwork Preview routing network ON	EditorMoves or scales the placed routing network directly on the map. When the separate Custom Basemap extension is also installed and has artwork, the shared placement keeps both aligned.	PublishedCustom routes use the saved geographic placement; linked Custom Basemap artwork keeps its corresponding saved placement.	Optional linkCustom Basemap remains entirely optional, and Custom routing works with a Routing SVG on its own.

Custom basemap

The separate premium Custom Basemap extension places uploaded map artwork above the standard basemap or on its own. It does not include, own or require Custom routing.

Premium - Custom basemap module ON

Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
Show standard base map	EditorShows the normal basemap beneath the uploaded artwork.	PublishedVisitors see the standard basemap below the saved custom image.	OffThe standard basemap is hidden and the saved Map background colour fills uncovered areas.
ColourMap background colour Show standard base map OFF	EditorSets the map background visible behind and around the uploaded artwork.	PublishedFills uncovered map areas when the standard basemap is off.	HiddenThe control is hidden while Show standard base map is on.
UploadMap image SVG - JPG - PNG - WebP - Maximum 5 MB	EditorUploads a safe SVG, JPG, PNG or WebP image up to 5 MB and fits its aspect ratio into the current map view.	PublishedDisplays the saved artwork at its saved geographic placement. SVG artwork is rerendered for the current zoom so it remains sharp.	EmptyNo custom image is drawn.
HandlesMove, scale and rotate artwork	EditorDrag the round centre handle to move the artwork, the square corner handle to scale it without stretching, and the orange handle to rotate it.	PublishedVisitors see the resulting saved placement without editing handles.	UnavailableHandles are shown only while the Custom basemap panel and an uploaded image are active.
ActionFit image to current view	EditorRepositions and scales the uploaded image inside the current map view while preserving its aspect ratio.	PublishedUses the newly saved placement after publishing.	HiddenThe action is hidden until a Map image is uploaded.
Fit view to basemap Map image uploaded	EditorSaves whether the published map should open around the complete custom basemap; it does not change image placement.	PublishedOpens the published map fitted to the complete uploaded basemap.	OffThe normal saved camera and marker-fit settings control the initial view.

Buildings

The premium Buildings extension creates marker-like places with SVG footprints, organised into positioned levels and rendered as interactive 2D or 3D Buildings.

Premium - Buildings module ON

Setting	Editor effect	Published map effect	When empty or off
ActionLevels settings	EditorThe gear in the Levels header opens Show buildings in 3D, Show level selector and Show building directory.	PublishedThese settings control 3D extrusion and the visitor controls shown at the top left of the published map. The level selector appears only when at least two levels exist.	OffEach visitor control is hidden when its setting is off; the saved Building and level data is retained.
AddAdd level	EditorCreates Ground floor first, followed by Level 1, Level 2 and later numbered levels. Level cards remain collapsed until opened.	PublishedA saved level can contain its own Buildings and becomes available to the level selector.	No levelsNo level or Building drawing surface exists until a level is added.
TextLevel name	EditorNames the level in the Levels panel and the synchronized Building level selector.	PublishedNames the level in the top-left level selector and grouped Building directory.	RequiredEvery level requires a name.
Default level	EditorChooses the level used when the map first loads.	PublishedThe published map initially displays the selected default level.	OffAnother saved level remains the default.
ActionBuildings default settings	EditorThe gear before a level's delete button opens that level's Style and Popup defaults. Style includes Fill, Hover, Active, Outline, Height, Hover height, Opacity and Show name. When Show name is on, Text, Text hover and Text active appear on one row. Horizontal offset, Vertical offset, Rotation and Size from 1 to 96 appear in a 2 by 2 grid.	PublishedBuildings on that level inherit its style and ordered Title, Description and Link popup fields unless an enabled Category style or custom Building settings override them.	Show name offTurning Show name off hides the label colour controls and removes roof names while preserving their saved values.
FileImport Buildings SVG	EditorImports each supported item inside one group named Buildings, or each supported top-level SVG shape or group, as one Building. A single level import can therefore create multiple Buildings and is fitted to the map in Web Mercator without stretching its aspect ratio.	PublishedImported Buildings render in their saved level placement and retain multi-part shapes and holes.	Invalid SVGWhen a Buildings group exists, unrelated content outside it is ignored. Multiple groups named Buildings, unsupported executable content, or SVGs without measurable Building geometry are rejected.
NumberLevel rotation	EditorRotates the complete level drawing surface and all of its Buildings around the SVG centre.	PublishedThe published Building footprints use the same saved rotation.	0 degreesA zero value keeps the imported SVG orientation.
ActionPosition level	EditorShows the distinct v1-style move, resize and rotation handles for the complete level on the map.	PublishedVisitors see the resulting saved level placement without editing handles.	FinishedNo positioning handles are shown.
AddDraw building	EditorCreates a Building and opens the shared SVG editor directly on the map. New points and dragged anchors snap to nearby points and edges on other visible Buildings on the same level.	PublishedThe saved shape appears as a Building after the map is published.	Not savedUnsaved editor geometry is discarded only after confirmation.
FieldsTitle, Category, Description and Link	EditorStores marker-like Building content and optionally assigns the Building to a Category. Selecting a Building on the map changes to its level, focuses it without an excessively close zoom and reveals its sidebar item; selecting empty map space clears the selection.	PublishedThe whole 2D footprint or 3D Building body is interactive. The title identifies the Building and enabled popup fields can show its description and link.	EmptyEmpty optional fields are omitted from the popup.
Hide Building	EditorRetains the Building record but removes it from the active map layer and snap targets.	PublishedThe Building is absent from the map and directory.	OffThe Building is visible on its level.
Interactive	EditorKeeps the Building available for selection and popup testing.	PublishedVisitors can select the Building and open its configured popup.	OffThe Building remains visible but does not open a popup.
Style	EditorEnables custom Fill, Hover, Active, Outline, Height, Hover height, Opacity and Show name settings. Name controls include base, hover and active text colours, horizontal and vertical offsets, Rotation and Size from 1 to 96.	PublishedCustom Building styling overrides an enabled Category Building style and then the selected level's Buildings defaults. Hover and Active apply to both the flat footprint and 3D body. Size applies in flat and 3D views; flat text has no halo and scales with the Building as the map zoom changes, while the 3D name is attached to the roof and the outline includes the base perimeter.	OffThe Building inherits Category styling when enabled, otherwise its level defaults.
Popup	EditorEnables and orders the same Title, Description and Link popup fields used by markers.	PublishedSelecting the Building opens only enabled fields that have saved content. In flat mode the popup is centred on the visible footprint; in 3D it stays anchored to the raised roof while the camera zooms, pitches or moves.	OffThe Building has no popup.
ActionPosition	EditorShows move, resize and orange rotation handles for the complete Building without changing its SVG points. Edit changes the shape itself directly on the map.	PublishedThe Building uses its saved per-Building offset, scale and rotation inside the level.	FinishedNo Building positioning handles are shown.
SearchBuilding directory	EditorThe Building list remains synchronized with the selected level, and selecting a result focuses the same Building in the editor sidebar.	PublishedA top-left button opens a searchable fly-in directory grouped by level; selecting an entry changes level, focuses the Building and follows its popup behavior.	HiddenThe visitor directory is hidden when disabled or empty.