Frequently asked questions
What idomaps is, what it does, and how to use it.
What is idomaps?
idomaps is a free, browser-based thematic map editor. You draw polygons, lines, points, text, arrows, circles and rectangles on real base maps, style them, organize them with groups and a legend, then export to GeoJSON or share an interactive map online.
Is idomaps free?
Yes. idomaps is free to use, including drawing, styling, exporting GeoJSON, and publishing or embedding maps.
Do I need an account to use idomaps?
No. You can start making a map immediately with no signup. An account is only needed to save your maps and publish them at a public link.
Can I import and export GeoJSON?
Yes. idomaps imports GeoJSON and exports your map back to GeoJSON, as well as to its own .idomaps format that preserves styling, groups and legend.
What can I draw on a map?
Polygons, polylines, points, text labels, arrows, circles and rectangles. Each feature can be styled independently with colors, opacity, fill patterns, line styles, custom SVG markers, icons and a hover highlight color.
What base maps are available?
Several, including OpenStreetMap, Voyager, a topographic style and satellite imagery, with a flat or globe projection.
Can I make a choropleth or data map?
Yes. You can color countries, states, provinces and other regions from built-in tile layers to build choropleth and data maps.
Can I share or embed a map?
Yes. Published maps get a public URL you can share, and an iframe snippet to embed the interactive map on any website.
How is idomaps different from Google My Maps or Mapchart?
idomaps focuses on thematic cartography: arbitrary geometry, per-feature styling, groups and a shared legend, GeoJSON import and export, and a portable map you can embed anywhere. It is not locked to a single platform or dataset.
Is my map private?
Maps are private by default. You choose if and when to make a map public or unlisted; private maps are not indexed or shown publicly.
Does idomaps work on mobile?
The editor is designed for desktop, where precise drawing and a wider screen matter. Viewing, exploring and embedded maps work on any device.
Who is idomaps for?
Teachers and students, researchers and journalists, travelers, worldbuilders and content creators — anyone who needs a clear thematic or reference map without GIS software.