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How can I create a quick locator map?

In this article, you will learn how to create a simple locator map to highlight certain areas and pinpoint locations.

What’s the difference between Mapcreator and Locator? 

Mapcreator is our feature-rich editor, designed for in-depth customization and detailed projects, including options to create interactive and animated maps. Locator Map, on the other hand, offers a simplified interface that lets you create a map in just a few clicks, with many steps handled automatically. Its streamlined workflow works on any device, so you can create a map even while you are on location.

Open https://locator.mapcreator.io/ and create your first locator map.


Step 1: Highlight an area

To highlight an area, use the search bar to find it, or click the area directly on the map and select it from the Area section in the pop-up menu. Once an area is selected, it is automatically colored.  

step1 area highlight

Click an area in the list to adjust its color and outline width, or fit the map around it.

step1 area styling

Note: For countries, you can also use the spotlight feature. This highlights the country by covering the surrounding areas with a semi-transparent layer and hiding insignificant labels outside the focus area.

step1 spotlight


Step 2:  Adjust default labels

You can change the visibility of the default labels. Use the toggle to hide an entire group of labels, or expand the list and click individual labels to toggle their visibility.  

step 2 label visibility

Step 3: Add key elements

You can mark key places of the story by finding them with the search bar or right-clicking on the map. Once a place is selected, add an icon, label, callout, roadshield, or start a route using the pop-up menu. You can move added elements and route points by dragging them with the left mouse button.

Icon

Add an icon from the set or upload your own.

step 2 icon

Label

Add text that matches the style of the default labels.

step 2 label

Callout

Highlight the most important information with a callout. Note that you can adjust its pointer by dragging it while holding Shift.

step 2 callout

Roadshield

Zoom in until you can see the roads, then click the road you are interested in to add its roadshield.

step 3 roadshield

Note: The content for most elements is automatically filled in based on the location. For example, the appropriate roadshield is added depending on the road you clicked on. However, you can manually change the content by selecting an element from the list. 

step 2 callout content

Route

To add a route, find or click each point along the way and select the route option for each point. Click the route in the list to change its styling or transport type.

step 2 route-1

step 2 route style


Step 4: Add overlays

Complete your map with an inset map, safe space, title, or legend.

step 3 overlays-1


Step 5: Export 

Once you are satisfied with your work, you can export your project. For this, you have a few options. Firstly, you have to decide between embed or download. Then, you select PNG or SVG and whether or not you want your map to be responsive.  


 export


Learn more 

For more in-depth information on additional features of Locator Map and the different export formats, responsiveness and more, please navigate to our Locator Map Product Tour.