How can I create a flight map?

In this article, you will learn how to create an accurate flight map with no effort.

This article focuses on the previous version of Mapcreator and its features. For this article about Mapcreator Next click here.

If you are looking to report a flight using a map, you are in the right place. There are different approaches to create a flight map: you can draw the flight projection manually, you can enter the addresses and let the tool compute the line for you or import a file that contains the flight data. To learn about importing files, click here.
To draw your own flight path, click on the “Add” menu. Next, you need to access the lines/routes tab and select the “Bezier line” as the “Line type”.

Method 1: Flight path calculated automatically from the addresses/coordinates you enter.

On the bottom of the lines menu, you will find the field called “create from locations”. You can enter the starting point address/coordinate in the search field right below. Once the starting point is confirmed, a second search box will appear below, that is where you can add the following point where your line will intercept. You can add as many interception points as you wish.

Tip: If you toggle the “Add labels to locations” the tool will automatically place labels with the location names next to each interception point. These labels can also be edited afterward – simply click on the label you wish to edit.

Method 2: Path calculated from the manually selected points on the map.

You can let the tool generate a line between locations you manually select on the map as shown below: To finish creating your line, press “Enter” on your keyboard or click on “Finish”. If you move your mouse over the previously created line, a dotted help lines will appear. By clicking and dragging the dots, you will be able to manipulate where your line intercepts.

Your flight path can be fully styled: you can edit the color, thickness and change it to the dashed or dotted line.

Your line is now ready. Click on the following links to learn more about how to add icons and interactive pop-ups to the route.

Pro-Tip: If you have a .kml file of a recorded fly, you can simply drag and drop the file into Mapcreator. The route will be mapped automatically. Read more here.