Use cases

Create a polygon map and publish it online

Direct answer

What does this map workflow help you build?

Draw a custom boundary or import supported GeoJSON, KML, or GPX data, then style, share, export, or embed the map. You remain responsible for verifying that a boundary is suitable for its intended use.

Try the polygon tool See pricing

No credit card No code Export anytime

Illustrative custom polygon around San Francisco; not an administrative boundary.

No code

Visual map building

CSV + Sheets

Spreadsheet workflows

Website-ready

Share links and embeds

Overview

Use polygons when the boundary matters

A polygon map shows a non-circular area such as a service zone, franchise territory, neighborhood, event ground, or planning region. The shape is only as authoritative as its source.

Draw a boundary manually when a visual approximation is acceptable

Import GeoJSON, KML, or GPX when an existing source should define the geometry

Label every shape and explain whether it is official, approximate, or editorial

Key features

Example: three delivery tiers

A delivery map could show Zone A, Zone B, and Pickup only as separate polygons with distinct fills, a readable legend, and plain-language pricing or timing notes outside the geometry.

Keep fills translucent enough to preserve place context

Use labels that match the checkout or support terminology

Document the source and review date for each operational boundary

How to set up

Draw, import, and inspect

The editor can draw shapes and import supported geodata. Its current safeguards accept files up to 10 MB, up to 5,000 source features, and up to 250,000 coordinate pairs before further editable-item checks.

GeoJSON, KML, and GPX can supply points, lines, and polygon geometry

Multi-geometries are expanded into editable items during import

Review the rendered geometry and properties before publishing

Use the free polygon tool only for a basic Polygon or MultiPolygon parse, type, and bounding-box preview

Next steps

Understand the validator's limits

The free polygon tool preserves accepted geometry in a FeatureCollection after basic structural checks. It does not repair ring closure, self-intersections, coordinate order, topology, projection, or legal boundary accuracy.

Use a specialist GIS validator when topology must be proven

Confirm web-map coordinates use longitude then latitude in WGS84

Compare the rendered result with the authoritative source, not just the JSON success message

Part 5

Publish with context and a fallback

A boundary without a legend or explanation is hard to interpret. Add visible labels, source information, last-reviewed details, and text that remains useful if the interactive layer fails.

Test overlaps, opacity, popup behavior, and mobile controls

Provide a contact or policy link for disputed edge cases

Use an interactive website embed only on an eligible plan

Frequently asked questions

Can I draw polygons in MapsMaker?

Yes. Use the editor for manual shape creation; use the free Draw on a Map tool for a temporary one-polygon GeoJSON draft.

Can I import GeoJSON?

Yes. The editor imports GeoJSON, KML, and GPX within current file, feature, and geometry-complexity limits.

What does the free polygon tool validate?

It checks that the input parses as GeoJSON with a Polygon or MultiPolygon geometry and computes a bounding box. It does not perform full topology validation or repair.

Does the polygon tool clean or change my geometry?

No. Its downloaded FeatureCollection preserves the submitted polygon geometry rather than simplifying or correcting it.

Can I combine boundaries and location pins?

Yes. A full MapsMaker project can use shapes alongside point records when the combination helps explain the map.

Are imported boundaries legally authoritative?

Not by default. Verify the source, license, coordinate system, date, and intended use before presenting a boundary as official.

Is MapsMaker free to use?

MapsMaker has a Free plan with 1 map and 10 markers. The Free share link uses a static map with a searchable location list; interactive website embeds are included on paid plans. See the pricing page for current plan limits and prices.

How long does it take to set up?

Setup time depends on the number and cleanliness of your records, the fields you include, and how much styling or review the map needs. Start with a small sample, verify the locations and links, then publish when the result is accurate.

Build with MapsMaker

Create your map in minutes

Start with a template, import locations if you have a spreadsheet, and publish a link or embed.