How to create your first map

Creating a map in Atlas is easy, even if you’re a complete beginner. Atlas is designed to make mapping simple, interactive, and collaborative—perfect for users of all skill levels. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your first map and unlock the potential of geospatial data.

Step 1: Log In to Atlas

Go to the Atlas platform: Open your browser and navigate to Atlas.
Sign in or create an account: Use your email to log in. If you don’t have an account yet, click Sign Up to register—it’s free!
Explore the dashboard: Once logged in, you’ll see the main interface where you can start your mapping journey.

Step 2: Gather and Prepare Your Data

Before diving into the map, collect the data you want to visualize. Atlas supports multiple data formats, including:

CSV files for points like store locations
GeoJSON files for geographic shapes and boundaries
Shapefiles for detailed spatial data

Make sure your data includes the coordinates or geographic information needed for mapping.

Step 3: Create a New Map

Start a new project: On the Atlas dashboard, click Create New Map.
Name your map: Give your map a meaningful name, like "Store Locations" or "Traffic Heatmap."

Step 4: Upload Your Data

Add your data: Click Add Data in the top left corner of the map editor.
Upload files: Drag and drop your dataset or browse your computer to upload.
Verify your data: Check that your data appears correctly on the map. Atlas automatically geocodes your points or shapes, so they should display immediately.

Step 5: Style Your Map

Maps should be clear and visually appealing. Customize your data layers to make them stand out:

Select a layer: Click on the layer in the left-hand panel to open the styling options.
Choose colors and symbols: Adjust colors, shapes, and sizes to differentiate points, lines, and polygons.
Add labels: Enable labels to display key details like names or categories.
Pick a basemap: Choose a background map style, such as satellite imagery or street maps, to complement your data.

Step 6: Add Interactivity

Interactive maps engage your audience and provide additional context.

Enable pop-ups: Configure pop-ups to show more information when users click on map features.
Adjust zoom settings: Define zoom levels to highlight the most important areas.

Step 7: Analyze Your Data (Optional)

Atlas includes built-in tools for analyzing spatial data:

Create heatmaps: Visualize density or hotspots
Run buffer analysis: Define areas within a certain distance of a point or feature
Measure distances and areas: Use Atlas tools to calculate spatial relationships

These features can provide valuable insights, but they’re optional for your first map.

Step 8: Share Your Map

Share with your team: Use the sharing options to invite collaborators or set permissions for viewing and editing.
Export or publish: Export your map as an image or PDF, or publish it as an interactive web map to share with stakeholders or embed on a website.

Practical Tips for Beginners

Keep it simple: Start with one or two data layers to avoid cluttering your map.
Test your data: Ensure your coordinates and geographic details are accurate before uploading.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve created your first map, you can explore Atlas’ advanced features, such as custom applications, spatial analysis tools, and team collaboration capabilities. With practice, you’ll master the art of geospatial mapping and be ready to tackle more complex projects.