Where do I make a map to drop a pin or draw a zone?
In DotMap, https://dotmapapp.com. Pins are on the Markers tab — create a marker type first. A zone is on Shapes: outline, then click the last point again.
Questions
FAQ: how the studio works
The same topics as the guides, shorter. Step by step is on the guides page.
Answers
Why can’t I place a pin?
There is no marker type. Open Markers, tap + Add marker type, pick an icon and a name. Then select that type and Add on map.
Is a marker type the same as a filter?
Yes. Each type (icon + name + color) becomes a filter on the public map. Filters are not built separately.
How do I draw a zone or a line?
Shapes tab. No marker type needed. Line — several clicks, then the last red point again. Zone (polygon) — outline and click the last point. Arrow, circle, rectangle — two clicks. Esc cancels.
How do I add text on the map?
Shapes → Text → click the map. Text, font, and color are in the panel. Fixed size ignores zoom; With map scales with the basemap.
What is the difference between private, by link, and catalog?
Private — only you, the link is dead for others. By link — anyone with the URL, not listed in the catalog. Catalog — the link already works plus moderation; after approval it appears in the public list.
I copied the link and friends cannot open the map.
The map is still private. In Settings switch to By link or send it to the catalog.
Why isn’t my map in the catalog?
You did not pick the third visibility mode, the request is still in review, or it was rejected (reason is in settings). Private and link-only maps are not listed.
Do private maps show on the author page?
No. /u/name only lists maps already in the catalog. Set a username in the profile or there is no public page.
What do the author badge and other achievements do?
The first map gives Newbie status, a bronze frame, and +1 map you can publish. A catalog map gives Author. Featured from editors is a separate badge. Top-10 adds another public slot and a platinum frame. You turn frames and badges on in Achievements.
Can I rate my own map?
No. People rate other public maps. The average goes to the catalog and the author rating.
CSV will not import.
CSV needs at least one marker type. The file must have title, lat, lng. type must match a name from the Markers tab. JSON creates types itself.
Does ChatGPT draw the map inside DotMap?
No. You copy the JSON prompt from the studio, the chat returns a file, you paste it into CSV/JSON. Strip commentary and ``` fences. Check coordinates by hand.
What fits on the free plan?
20 maps, 1 of them public. 50 events and 50 shapes, 3 marker types. Achievement slots can be public too. Explorer — 10 public and 400/400. Pro — all 20 public and 1000/1000. Studio — 50 maps and 2000/2000. Catalog, links, and iframe are free. Details on pricing.
How do I change the opening frame of the map?
Settings → Starting view → As on the map now, or Pick on the map.
How do I embed the map on my site?
The map must not be private. Copy the iframe in Settings — https://dotmapapp.com/maps/your-slug/embed, no chrome. Live example: /pryklad-iframe. A private map shows nothing in the frame.
Is my writing translated?
Yes. Saves add UK/EN; the original stays. The map has a content-language switch. Imported pins can get translations later too.
Is DotMap DeepState / Liveuamap?
No. Those are live war maps. Here you decide which pins, zones, and dates are on your map.