Creating and managing maps

Creating and managing maps

The Atlas Map Builder lets you create multiple editable maps, choose their scale and visual style, and connect places to Location records.

Create a map

  1. Open the project.
  2. Select Atlas, then Map.
  3. Select + New map or choose one of the starting-scale cards.
  4. Enter a Map name.
  5. Choose how far the map looks: a world, region, local area or interior scale as offered.
  6. Choose a starter map or Blank canvas.
  7. Choose a paper-and-ink palette.
  8. Select Create map →.

Open or rename a map

  1. Return to Atlas from the map editor.
  2. Select a map card.
  3. Edit the map name in the editor’s top bar and press Enter or move focus away.

Import an editable map

  1. From Your atlas, select Import map.
  2. Choose a valid map file. Supported file types are YOW native JSON, JPEG, PNG, and PDF. 
  3. Open the imported map and inspect it before editing.

Delete a map

  1. Open the map.
  2. In the right panel, select Delete map….
  3. Read the warning and select Delete map.

Linked Locations remain in the project after the map is deleted. Export editable JSON first if the map may be needed again.

Maps and their data

Each project can contain several maps. The selected scale changes the starter content and tools appropriate to the map; every starter object remains editable.

The new builder stores shapes, routes, symbols, labels, layers and linked records as editable map data. Its JSON export is the restorable/editable map format. PNG and SVG are visual exports rather than editable imports.

On phones, Map Builder opens in viewing mode. Use a tablet or desktop-sized screen for map editing. Read-only projects likewise show map viewing controls rather than the full editor.

Older maps open in the original editor. Try the new builder creates a new map; it should not be treated as an automatic conversion of the legacy map.

  • Drawing and editing a map
  • Connecting maps to Locations
  • Exporting and viewing maps