How can I create an animated map?

This documentation is always evolving.

In this article, we will cover the basics of map animation in Mapcreator Next. For details about the previous version of Mapcreator, click here.

Video maps in Mapcreator Next vs previous Mapcreator

If you are familiar with the animation feature from the previous interface, you will notice it has had a complete makeover.

Timeline

In Mapcreator Next, the timeline is unlimited, giving you full freedom to arrange keyframes. In the previous Mapcreator, you had to adjust the keyframes to change the overall timing. Plus, you no longer need to switch between different tabs, everything is in one place.

Flexibility

It is now easier to add, move, overwrite and duplicate keyframes. Additionally, the undo/redo function allows you to experiment and refine your animation with ease.

The first release of the video feature in Mapcreator Next does not yet support animating individual elements like lines or labels. However, you can animate the map itself using keyframes with zooming, panning, or rotation of your map. 

Below, we will guide you through the animation in Mapcreator Next, so you can become familiar with the new workflow.

Set up your workspace

Click the camera icon to open or close the animation mode.

Use the drag handles to adjust the balance between the map area and the timeline.

Use the timeline scale slider to view the whole sequence or zoom in for precise control.

Create keyframes

You can create keyframes and set their position on the timeline. The tool smoothly animates the transitions between the keyframes automatically.

There are two ways to create a keyframe:

• Click the "+ Keyframe" button to add a new keyframe at the current playhead position.
• Hover over the keyframe track where you want the keyframe and click the "+" button.

A keyframe captures the current map view. Just pan and zoom your map until it looks right, then click “+ Keyframe” or hit the “+” button on the keyframe track.

Edit keyframes and transitions

To edit a keyframe, click on it. In the right menu, you can delete, duplicate, or overwrite it. To overwrite, pan and zoom the map in the preview, then click “Overwrite”.

By default, transitions between keyframes use ease animation, but the transition type can be changed from the dropdown menu of each frame:

• Linear – moves to the next keyframe at a constant speed throughout the transition.
• Ease – starts quickly and then gradually slows down.
• None – keyframes switch instantly.

You can also move keyframes along the timeline and even rearrange their order.

PRO-TIPS

Fixate a keyframe

To fixate a keyframe, create a duplicate of it. If you want the frame to be fixated for 5 seconds, move the duplicate 5 seconds ahead.

If you want to fixate the first keyframe, position it away from the start of the video. For example, placing the first keyframe at 3 seconds will keep it fixed until that point.

Add keyframes in between

Now you can add keyframes between existing ones. For example, you can add a keyframe on the fly by clicking "+ Keyframe" during playback, or click directly on the keyframe track.

Replace a keyframe

To replace one keyframe with another, drag the new keyframe over the original one to overwrite it.