# About Us {% hint style="info" %} **Why use Maps.gov.sg?** All it takes to share a map with citizens is to log in, upload a list of locations, and click publish. Say goodbye to lengthy AORs or lock-in to external vendors. Maps also uses OneMap APIs for the most accurate map information. {% endhint %}
## What is Maps? Maps is a free platform for government officers to use and share location information with citizens. Simply upload a list of locations, hit publish, and share the unique map link with citizens. ## Why did we build Maps? Government officers currently don’t have a quick way to share location information with citizens on a map. Instead, they start sharing them in PDFs, or raw text which is hard for citizens to search for locations. ## Just 3 steps to create a map: * Log in with your gov.sg or approved non-gov.sg email address * Upload a list of addresses * Publish to share/embed the newly created map If you are unsure whether maps can support your use case, reach out to us via [this form](https://go.gov.sg/maps-onboarding). # Features ## Bulk upload address data Maps will automatically geocode the addresses officers upload, so they don't have to manually enter the coordinates. ## Easy to publish and embed Officers can publish maps with a single click, and share them with citizens. They can also embed maps on their website, without outsourcing the development of a custom map component. ## Custom filters Officers can create custom filters that make it easier for citizens to find what they're looking for. # Create your first map A one-page guide to publish your first map. {% hint style="success" %} ❤️ **Thanks for being an early adopter of Maps!** Please reach out to us at for any questions. {% endhint %} ### Step 1: Log in with your gov.sg or approved email address {% hint style="info" %} gov.sg email addresses can log in directly. If your non-gov.sg email address is not yet approved, [**reach out to us**](https://go.gov.sg/maps-onboarding). Enter your email address to get an OTP, which will be used to log in. {% endhint %}
*** ### Step 2: Click the Create New Map button {% hint style="info" %} **If no maps have been previously created, this page will appear empty.** Upon following all the steps in this guide, your newly created map will appear on this page. {% endhint %}
*** ### Step 3: Enter a map title, description and short link {% hint style="info" %} The public will see the map title as a header in the top left of your map. We suggest keeping map titles to under 8 words for better readability. *E.g. in our demo map* [*here*](https://maps.gov.sg/muis-mosques)*, the map title is "Mosque Finder".* \ The public will see map descriptions below the map title. We suggest keeping map descriptions concise to under 15 words and to be verbose in what citizens would find on this map. *E.g. "Find nearby civil defence shelters at HDBs, Schools, MRT stations and more".* \ *Short links make it easier for citizens to navigate to your map. We suggest using a short link with dashes between words for better readability. E.g. the short link of "nea-cfhp" will result in the shareable map URL of "".* If no short link is provided, Maps generates one for you. The map remains private while it is a draft; the link becomes publicly accessible only after you publish the map.\ \ **You may update your map titles, descriptions and short links anytime after your map is created.** {% endhint %}
*** ### Step 4: Upload locations in the CSV template provided
#### Step 4a: Fill in the CSV template with points you want to appear on the map {% hint style="info" %} The columns translate to the following on map markers:
Name - shown as the name for the location Address - shown as the address for the location. **You will need to include the postal code if no latitude and longitude are provided in the next columns.** Latitude & Longitude (Optional) - optional latitude & longitude values for the point; we will use these to plot the location on the map instead of the postal code. Notes (Optional) - shown as text to map users, with links automatically hyperlinked. Learn more about [adding notes and links](/creating-your-map/setting-up-your-csv-file/adding-notes-and-links). {% endhint %}
#### Step 4b: Add filters for your points {% hint style="info" %} You may optionally add filters for your map markers. To do so, add an additional column on the right. *An example map with filters can be seen here (*[*https://maps.gov.sg/nparks-gardens*](https://maps.gov.sg/nparks-gardens)*).* \ The column name will be used as the Filter Name (in this example, "Seating Type"). The values provided will be the options that map users can select from (in this example, "Indoor Seating" or "Outdoor Seating").\ \ **If points have multiple values for filters, separate the filter values with a comma.** {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Place filter columns after the Notes column in the CSV file. Each location can have values in up to 10 filter columns. If any row contains values in more than 10 filter columns, Maps rejects the CSV file. Learn more about [adding filters](/creating-your-map/setting-up-your-csv-file/adding-filters). {% endhint %}
#### Step 4c: Upload this CSV file to create your map
*** ### Step 5: View a preview of your map {% hint style="info" %} Maps takes a short while to process your locations after upload. If you see **Map is still processing...**, you can navigate away from the page — an email will be sent to you when the processing is complete.\ \ Once processing finishes, a preview of your map will be shown. You may try features like search and filters to ensure that they are working as intended before publishing your map.\ \ Your newly created map is still in the draft stage and not yet publicly accessible. {% endhint %}
*** ### Step 6: Publish your map {% hint style="info" %} Click on the **Publish map** icon on the navigation bar on the left. \ Once the toggle to publish the map is enabled, you will be able to easily copy the link to be shared with citizens.\ \ A code snippet is also provided for the map to be embedded into your website. {% endhint %}
*** ### Step 7: Edit map details {% hint style="success" %} Click on the **Settings** icon on the navigation bar on the left if you want to update map details such as title, description or short link.\ \ If you are the map's **Owner**, you can also delete the map from this page. {% endhint %}
# Login {% hint style="info" %} Having issues logging in with an eligible email address? Contact us at ****. {% endhint %} Maps is built for public officers. Log in with your **gov.sg email address** and enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to your inbox. Email addresses on approved non-gov.sg domains, as well as individually approved addresses, can also log in.
# Getting started **Step 1:** Click **Create New Map** to start creating your map. If no maps have been previously created, this page will appear empty.
**Step 2:** Enter a **map title, description** and **short link**. **Map title**: This is what citizens will see in the top left of your map. Short titles are easier to read. Try keeping it under 8 words. **Description:** Write a summary to let citizens know what they can find on this map. We recommend keeping it concise to under 15 words. **Short link:** By default, a randomly generated link will be used if you do not include a short link. Adding a short link would make it easier for citizens to navigate to your map (e.g. maps.gov.sg/**your-map**). Use dashes in between words for better readability. {% hint style="info" %} You may update your map titles, descriptions and short links anytime after your map is created. {% endhint %}
**Step 3:** Click on **Next**. **Step 4:** Click on the **Download CSV Template** provided and fill in your locations accordingly.
For more details on how to fill up your CSV file to include advanced features (e.g. filters), refer to the section on [Setting up your CSV file](/creating-your-map/setting-up-your-csv-file). **Step 5:** Upload the CSV file and click **Create map**.
{% hint style="info" %} Maps takes a short while to process your locations. If you see **Map is still processing...**, you can navigate away from the page — an email will be sent to you when the processing is complete. {% endhint %} **Step 6:** Congrats! Your map has now been created and is in the draft stage. You may now preview your map. The map is currently not publicly accessible. Test features such as search and filtering to ensure that they are working as intended before publishing your map publicly.
**Step 7:** To enable your map for public viewing, click on the **Publish map** icon found on the navigation bar on the left. **Step 8: Turn on the toggle** to publish your map. This enables sharing your map publicly via a link or embedding it into your existing website. You may turn this toggle off anytime to unpublish your map.
#### Congratulations, you have just published your first map on maps.gov.sg! # Setting up your CSV file ## How does the CSV file work? Updating your CSV file allows you to bulk update all locations onto Maps. **Each row represents one location on the map.** {% hint style="info" %} Please download the sample CSV file and make edits directly to that file. {% endhint %}
## Adding addresses Fill in the address of the location. If the location has a postal code, please include it in the address. Otherwise, you will need to provide the latitude and longitude coordinates instead. Should both postal codes and coordinates be provided, Maps will use the coordinates to plot the location. {% hint style="warning" %} Every location needs either a postal code in its address or both latitude and longitude coordinates. If any row has neither, Maps rejects the whole CSV file and flags the row with the error `Add either a 6 digit postal code in the address column or fill in both latitude and longitude columns`. Fix the row and upload the file again. {% endhint %}
| Column | Description | Example | | -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | Name | Name of location | Chocolate Origin | | Address | Address, including postal code of the location. | 4 Changi Village Rd, #01-2094, Singapore 500004 | | Latitude (Optional) | An optional latitude value for the location if postal code is not available. | 1.389273 | | Longitude (Optional) | An optional longitude value for the location if postal code is not available. | 103.987414 | {% hint style="warning" %} Please note that Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel might automatically remove leading zeros from postal codes. Before uploading your file to Maps, ensure all postal codes contain the correct six digits, or Maps may not be able to pick up your data. {% endhint %} ## What it looks like on Maps After setting up your CSV file, upload it to Maps and preview your locations mapped out accordingly in draft mode.
## What else can you add to your map? Other than addresses and latitude and longitude coordinates, you may also add notes, links and filters to your map. {% content-ref url="/pages/brZA36THWixludVl3JCU" %} [Adding notes and links](/creating-your-map/setting-up-your-csv-file/adding-notes-and-links) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/JLBilMA53Mf3GU48B5a0" %} [Adding filters](/creating-your-map/setting-up-your-csv-file/adding-filters) {% endcontent-ref %} # Adding notes and links Notes allow you to include **any additional information** for each location. This section is **optional**. ## Set up your CSV file as follows
| Column | Description | Example | | ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Notes (Optional) |

Any additional information to be shown to citizens, such as:

Links added in this column will be automatically hyperlinked.

|

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 6pm to 2am
Saturday to Sunday: 7pm to 3am
Public Holidays: Closed

[www.chocolate-origin.com](http://www.chocolate-origin.com)

| ## What it looks like on Maps After setting up your CSV file, upload it to Maps and preview your locations. Each location point will have its dedicated notes section.
# Adding filters Filters allow users to **narrow their search according to their specific requirements**. Simply add an additional column on the right of your CSV file, after the 'Notes' column. Filters are **optional**. {% hint style="info" %} You can add multiple filters by adding more columns. Each location can have values in up to 10 filter columns. If any row contains values in more than 10 filter columns, Maps rejects the CSV file and shows the error `Maximum of 10 filter columns allowed`. {% endhint %} ## Set up your CSV file as follows {% hint style="info" %} Do note that the name of your column (in the example below, "Seating Type") will determine the name of your filter. {% endhint %}
| Column name (Filter name) | Description | Example | | ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- | | Seating Type |

The column name will be the Filter Name.

Enter the filter values for each location in the corresponding fields in this column.

For points with multiple values under a single filter, separate them with commas.

| Indoor Seating, Outdoor seating, No seating | ## What it looks like on Maps After setting up your CSV file, upload it to Maps and preview your locations mapped out accordingly in draft mode. Filters will appear right below the search bar.
Users can click on each filter and interact with the dropdown menu to search for specific locations within their requirements.
# Publishing your map Click on the **Publish map** icon on the navigation bar on the left. **Turn on the toggle** to publish your map. This enables sharing and your map is now publicly accessible.
You may turn this toggle off anytime to unpublish your map.
# Sharing your unique map link After your map is successfully published, click on **Copy Link** under **Share this link** to get your unique map link. Share your map link with citizens via posters, websites, or messages for quick access. The publish page also displays a QR code for your map under **Scan the QR code on your mobile device**. You can add it to posters or slides so that citizens can scan it to open your map directly. You may also consider [embedding your map on a webpage](/sharing-your-map/embedding-maps-to-your-website) or using go.gov.sg links for wider reach.
# Embedding Maps on your website {% hint style="info" %} You need to [publish your map](/sharing-your-map/publishing-your-map) first. The **Embed the map on your website** section appears only after the map is published. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Embedding isn't available for [private maps](/sharing-your-map/making-a-map-private) — visitors can't sign in inside an embedded frame, so a private map can only be shared via its link or QR code. {% endhint %} Click on the **Publish map** icon on the navigation bar on the left. Click on **Copy Code** under **'Embed the map on your website'** to copy the entire code. You may then paste it into your website editor.
# Making a map private By default, a published map is **public** — anyone with the link can view it, and it can appear in public search. A **private** map can only be viewed by its owner, its editors, and an **audience** list of email addresses you choose. Everyone else who opens the link is asked to sign in first, and does not see the map's content until they do. {% hint style="info" %} You need to [publish your map](/sharing-your-map/publishing-your-map) first. Access type only affects who can view a map once it is published — publishing and access type are independent settings. {% endhint %} ## Choosing an access type Click on the **Publish map** icon on the navigation bar on the left. Under **Who can view this map**, choose **Private map** or **Public map**. {% hint style="info" %} A screenshot of the "Who can view this map" card is pending. {% endhint %} Selecting **Private map** opens a confirmation dialog. If you haven't added any audience members yet, the dialog warns that only you and this map's editors will be able to view it until you do. Switching back to **Public map** at any time restores public access — your audience list is kept, so switching back to private later doesn't require re-adding anyone. ## Managing the audience Audience members share the same **Members** list as editors, on the same Publish page (see [Adding collaborators](/managing-collaborators/adding-collaborators)). Once a map is private, the **Add member** role dropdown also offers **Viewer** — this is the audience role, not an editing role. * **Add** a person as a Viewer by entering their email address, choosing **Viewer**, and clicking **Add**. Any valid email address works — unlike adding an Editor, there is no `.gov.sg`-domain restriction, so members of the public can be added to a private map's audience. * **Remove** a person to revoke their access immediately, including any session they currently have open. They are not notified by email of the removal. * **Promote to editor** moves a person from the audience into the map's Editor list (see [Adding collaborators](/managing-collaborators/adding-collaborators)) in one step — they gain edit access and are no longer a plain audience member. Adding someone to the audience never sends them an email. They find out about the map the same way anyone shares a link with them, and sign in with a one-time code sent to their address only when they actually open it. ## Signing in to a private map A visitor who isn't yet signed in to a private map sees a sign-in screen instead of the map. They enter their email address and, if that address is on the audience list (or is the map's owner or an editor), receive a 6-character one-time code by email. Entering the correct code within its validity window signs them in for that map for 7 days. To protect who is and isn't on the audience list, this screen behaves identically whether or not an address is eligible — the same message, and no indication either way of whether a code was actually sent. ## Embedding isn't available for private maps A private map's **Share this link** section offers only the map's link and QR code — the **Embed the map on your website** option (see [Embedding Maps on your website](/sharing-your-map/embedding-maps-to-your-website)) is not offered. Visitors can't sign in inside an embedded frame, so a private map can only be shared via its link or QR code. # Updating locations You may add new map markers or make changes to existing map markers by [updating your CSV file](/creating-your-map/setting-up-your-csv-file). Your new CSV file replaces all locations on the map: * New points will be added. * Existing points will be updated. * Points not in the new CSV will be removed. {% hint style="warning" %} Include every location you want to keep in your new CSV file. Any location missing from the file is removed from the map when you update to the new version. {% endhint %} Click on the **Replace markers** icon on the navigation bar on the left, upload your new CSV file, then click **Replace locations**.
You will be prompted to review the draft before deciding to **Delete this version** or **Update to this map**.
Click on **Update to this map** and your map will reflect the latest CSV file's data. # Updating map details Click on the **Settings** icon on the navigation bar on the left. You may edit map details such as title, description or short link. Click on **Update** to save the latest changes.
# Deleting a map Only the map's **Owner** can delete a map. Click on the **Settings** icon on the navigation bar on the left and click on **Delete Map**. A confirmation dialog appears, asking `Are you sure you want to delete this map? This action cannot be undone.` {% hint style="danger" %} Once deleted, the map and its data cannot be recovered. If the map was published, citizens will no longer be able to access it at its public link. {% endhint %} Click **Delete** to permanently delete the map.
# Adding collaborators You may add other public officers as an **Editor** or **Viewer** to your map. They do not need to have used Maps before — they receive an invitation email and gain access when they log in. Click on the **Settings** icon on the navigation bar on the left and scroll to **Manage members**. Enter the collaborator's email address and assign them either a **Viewer** or **Editor** role. Any gov.sg email address is eligible (for example, `officer@moe.gov.sg`). Email addresses on approved non-gov.sg domains, as well as individually approved addresses, are also eligible. Other addresses are rejected with the error `Only .gov.sg and approved email addresses can be added`. Ownership of the map cannot be transferred to another user. | Roles | Viewer | Editor | Owner | | ------------------------- | ------ | ------ | ----- | | View unpublished map | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Edit map | No | Yes | Yes | | Publish and unpublish map | No | Yes | Yes | | Edit collaborators | No | Yes | Yes | | Delete map | No | No | Yes | # Deleting collaborators To delete a member, click on the **Settings** icon on the navigation bar on the left and scroll to **Manage members**. Click on the dropdown window and select **Remove User**.
# Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is Maps different from other map services? All it takes to share a map with citizens is to log in, upload a list of locations, and click publish. Say goodbye to lengthy AORs or lock-in to external vendors. Maps also uses OneMap APIs for the most accurate map information.
I cannot upload my CSV file. Some rows show the error "Add either a 6 digit postal code in the address column or fill in both latitude and longitude columns". Some location points are missing a postal code or latitude and longitude coordinates. Each location point requires at least a postal code (as part of its address) or a set of latitude and longitude coordinates. The street name alone is insufficient. Fix the flagged rows and upload the file again.
Why are some of my markers showing as invalid or failing to process? The postal code or latitude and longitude coordinates provided may be incorrect. Please note that Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel might automatically remove leading zeros from postal codes. Before uploading your file to Maps, ensure all postal codes contain the correct six digits, or Maps may not be able to pick up your data, resulting in missing location points.
I would love to use Maps, but it seems like there are some features that Maps does not offer. Contact us at and we would be happy to see how we can support you!
# Best practices # Sample templates # Contact us {% columns %} {% column %} Support email (bugs, issues) {% endcolumn %} {% column %} {% endcolumn %} {% endcolumns %} {% columns %} {% column %} Have a list of locations to share with citizens? {% endcolumn %} {% column %} [Onboard to Maps!](https://form.gov.sg/67a30f1db53fe038b3b61f6f) {% endcolumn %} {% endcolumns %} {% columns %} {% column %} Notice a list of locations that could be a map? {% endcolumn %} {% column %} [That should be a map!](https://form.gov.sg/6791fbde8221785d4712a24b) {% endcolumn %} {% endcolumns %}