Embedding Interactive Maps on Your Website: A Simple Guide

Adding interactive maps to your site helps visitors explore locations and data without extra clicks. It’s easy and powerful.

This guide covers:

Choices of tools
HTML iframe embeds
JavaScript libraries (Leaflet)
Dynamic maps with URL parameters
Accessibility and performance tips

Why embed a map?

Interactive maps let users:

Zoom, pan, and explore
Access pop‐ups with details
View live data (like route updates or points of interest)
Stay on your page—no switching apps

Embed with an iframe—quick and easy

Many mapping services give iframe code. You copy and paste it into your site.

Google Maps Embed API example

Google Maps lets you embed places, views, directions, or street view:

<iframe
  width="600"
  height="450"
  style="border:0"
  loading="lazy"
  allowfullscreen
  referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"
  src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?
       key=YOUR_API_KEY
       &q=Eiffel+Tower,Paris+France"
>
</iframe>

You’ll need an API key. Set width/height and policy—maps shouldn’t be smaller than 200×200 px.

Embed using a map platform (like Atlas)

Platforms like Atlas make it easier—no API key needed.

Create your map in Atlas.
Click Share, set to public.
Copy the iframe embed code.
Paste into your site’s HTML.
Adjust width/height in the code.

Power BI and other tools can embed Atlas maps similarly.

Work faster with spatial data

Easily import data, automate analysis and build spatial apps for the web, all within a single software.

Create a free user

Embed with Leaflet.js — more control

Leaflet is a free open-source JS library. You host the map yourself.

Quick setup

Include CSS & JS in your <head>:

<link
  rel="stylesheet"
  href="https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.6.0/dist/leaflet.css"
/>
<script src="https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.6.0/dist/leaflet.js"></script>

Add a <div> for the map:

<div id="map" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;"></div>

Initialize map in JS:

const map = L.map('map').setView([48.8584, 2.2945], 13)
L.tileLayer('https://{s}.tile.openstreetmap.org/{z}/{x}/{y}.png', {
  maxZoom: 19,
  attribution: '&copy; OpenStreetMap contributors'
}).addTo(map)
L.marker([48.8584, 2.2945]).addTo(map).bindPopup('Eiffel Tower').openPopup()

That shows a map with a marker and popup.

Add features:

Custom icons: Use your own marker images
GeoJSON layers: Add shapes, regions, data overlays
Events: Click, tooltips, zoom, etc.

Accessibility & performance tips

Alt text: Provide fallback text or static image
Keyboard access: Leaflet supports keyboard zoom/pan
Lazy load iframes to improve page load
Tile caching: Use CDNs like Mapbox or OpenStreetMap for tiles
Tile attribution: Must include credits for open-source tile providers

Best use cases

Business or office location: Simple iframe embed works great
Custom data maps: Use Leaflet or Atlas for shape overlays
Interactive reports: Embedding via URL parameters shows user‑specific content
No-code environments: Paste iframe into Notion, Power BI, or Framer

Needs	Use iframe	Use Leaflet	Use Atlas/Platform
Simple static location	✅ Quick embed	❌ Overkill	✅ Easy
Custom layers & data overlays	❌ Limited	✅ Full control	✅ Medium/custom
No-code tools users	✅ Embed iframe	❌ Needs code	✅ Ideal
Dynamic filters or URL views	❌ Limited	✅ Dev required	✅ With widgets
Realtime updates from dashboard	❌ Manual update	❌ Needs API	✅ Live sync