What is a good Google My Maps alternative?
DotMap, if you need a timeline and event cards. uMap, if you want a free OpenStreetMap editor. Felt, if a team is doing collaborative GIS.
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A custom map maker for events, not just pins
Google My Maps, uMap, Felt, and ZeeMaps all draw markers. DotMap is for maps that also have a chronology: dated events, photos and video, a public link, and an iframe for your own site.
How the usual tools differ
| DotMap | Google My Maps | uMap | Felt | ZeeMaps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dated events & timeline | Yes | Dates as text | No | No | Limited |
| Photos and video on a pin | Yes | Photos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CSV import | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| JSON from ChatGPT | Points, zones, lines | No | No | No | No |
| Embed on your site | iframe of the public map | iframe | iframe | Paid plans | iframe |
| Best for | Stories, research, trips, local guides | Simple pin lists | OSM power users | Team GIS | Spreadsheet maps |
When to pick DotMap
Stay on Google My Maps if you only need a handful of pins and already live in Google. Stay on uMap if you want raw OpenStreetMap tools and do not care about a timeline. Felt is the better fit for a GIS team drawing together on satellite layers.
Pick DotMap when each place is an event: a date, a card, media, and a way to walk the map in time. Import a spreadsheet, or let ChatGPT write the JSON. Then embed the map or send one link. The same studio also runs thematic maps — the Ukraine war chronology, Chernobyl, and community maps in the catalog.
FAQ
Is there a free custom map maker?
DotMap has a free plan with a public map, pins, and media. Larger imports need a higher plan. Google My Maps and uMap are also free, with fewer chronology tools.
Can I move a spreadsheet into a custom map?
Yes. Import CSV for points, or JSON when you also have areas and lines.