How-to guides

Map basics

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Map basics

Adding a corner minimap image

The optional minimap sits in the corner and shows visitors where they are in the bigger picture. Here's what image to give it, and when a simpler one helps.

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Map basics

Aspect ratio: how your map fills the screen

Your map's shape decides how it sits in the viewer. Here's how aspect ratio works, and how to frame your artwork so it looks right on phones and desktops.

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Map basics

Choosing an image format: SVG, JPG or PNG

Every level needs a map image. Here's what each format is good at, so your map looks crisp, loads fast and behaves the way you expect.

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Map basics

Designing an illustrated map

Not every map is a floor plan. If you're drawing a friendly, stylised map of a park, event, campus or trail, here's how to make it work as an interactive Mapvera map.

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Map basics

From PDF, CAD or floor plan to a map image

Got your map as a PDF, a CAD file or an architect's floor plan? Here's how to turn it into a clean SVG, JPG or PNG that Mapvera can use.

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Map basics

Keeping multi-level maps aligned

When your map has several floors, matching their size and framing makes floors stack perfectly, so switching levels feels seamless and pins land in the right place.

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Map basics

Keeping your map fast

A snappy map keeps visitors happy. A handful of choices about image size, format and detail make the difference between instant and sluggish.

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Map basics

Preparing artwork that reads well

An interactive map isn't a printed poster. A few choices about labels, contrast and whitespace make your artwork far easier to explore.

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Map basics

Resolution and file size

How big your map image should be so it looks sharp without being slow — and what Mapvera shrinks for you versus what you should size yourself.

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Map basics

Sharp maps with SVG (vector) artwork

Why an SVG map stays crisp at every zoom level, when to use one, and how to keep the file small so it loads quickly.

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Map basics

Transparency and the map background

PNG and SVG maps can have a see-through background. Here's when that helps, when it can trip you up, and how it works with your map's background colour.

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