Preview the first 25 CSV rows on a map
What does the CSV-to-map preview do?
Upload a CSV, select an address column or existing latitude and longitude columns, and process a 25-row sample. The download contains that sample only; use the MapsMaker editor for a full saved import.
What the sample tool actually processes
The CSV is parsed in the browser, but only the first 25 data rows enter the processing and export flow.
- Select a title column plus either an address column or latitude and longitude columns
- Rows with usable coordinates bypass geocoding
- Rows with addresses are geocoded one at a time
- The map can display up to the 25 processed sample rows
Prepare a small, representative sample
Include the difficult records in the first 25 rows so the sample reveals format problems before a full import.
- Minimum for geocoding: one complete address column
- Alternative: numeric latitude and longitude columns
- Useful context: a short title plus city, region, postcode, and country where addresses are ambiguous
Understand the preview and download
After processing, the table shows the first five sample rows. The cleaned CSV contains the processed sample of up to 25 rows, preserves its columns, and adds or fills lat and lng values where available.
- Rows without an address or coordinates can remain in the sample with blank coordinates
- An address with no geocoding match can remain without latitude and longitude
- The download is not the original full CSV when the upload has more than 25 rows
Data handling and geocoding limits
CSV parsing happens locally. Address values that need coordinates are sent to the MapsMaker geocoding endpoint; geocoding results are cached for 30 days.
- Anonymous cache misses are limited to 30 per minute per requester
- The 25-row sample stays below that cold-request limit when each row requires one lookup
- Do not upload or geocode sensitive address data unless this processing model is appropriate
Move from a sample to a full map
Use the editor for a saved map, the full import within plan limits, field mapping, rich records, filters, sharing, and eligible embeds.
- The editor accepts CSV, XLS, and XLSX; Excel reads the first worksheet
- CSV imports create new markers rather than updating matching records
- Opening hours, images, groups, and social links are not mapped by the current CSV importer
CSV preview versus a saved MapsMaker map
Use the helper to inspect a small sample, then use the editor when the result needs to be maintained or published.
| Workflow | What it does | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Free CSV preview | Parses and maps up to the first 25 coordinate rows in the browser | Temporary visual check |
| MapsMaker editor import | Creates saved marker records from CSV, XLS, or XLSX | Editable map, share link, and eligible embed |
| Connected Google Sheet | Supports a separate repeat-sync workflow on an eligible plan | Maintained map with sync behavior to review |
Frequently asked questions
Does this tool process every row in my CSV?
Why does the table show only five rows?
What happens when an address cannot be geocoded?
Can I use existing coordinates instead of addresses?
Does this helper accept Excel files?
Does the cleaned CSV import automatically?
Is this tool free?
Ready to publish your map?
Import your full CSV into MapsMaker, add filters and branding, and embed it on your site.