How to Make A Map
Learn step-by-step how to make a map in SparkMap’s Map Room. All SparkMap users have access to the Map Room. Looking to upload your own data? Check out our Pro and Premium Subscriptions.
Search and Add Layers
Interact with Your Map
Share, Download, & Save
Step 1 – Search and Add Layers
Search map layers by keyword by typing in the search bar popup (Figure 1).
Try key words such as Food, Poverty, Hospital, Housing, School, and Family.
For best results, we recommend typing general 1-2 word phrases rather than full sentences.
You can also search for layers by data source by clicking the “Browse by Source” link on the search page (Figure 2).
Or, search layers by topic by clicking the “Search by Topic” link on the search page (Figure 3).
To learn more about a layer before adding it to your map, simply click the (i) beside it (Figure 4, circled in red).
A popup will then give you information on the map layer’s data source, collection year, and more (Figure 5).
Click the checkbox beside your map layer of choice to select it (Figure 6).
Click the “Add to Map” button at the bottom of the page to add the layer and continue (Figure 6, circled in red).
Step 2 – Interact with Your Map
Use the location search bar at the right side of the page to search your specific county, town, or ZIP code (Figure 7, circled in red).
You can also zoom in and out manually, or by using the + and – buttons at the top left side of the Map Room.
Once you’ve zoomed into your area of interest, it’s time to explore.
Click on any part of the map to view additional information about the layer as it pertains to the location on which you clicked (Figure 8).
Next, explore and customize using the legend on the right side of the screen (Figure 9).
Adjust the transparency of your layers (Figure 10, circled in red).
Explore your layers’ geography options (Figure 11). Common map layer geographies include state, county, ZCTA, Census tract, Congressional district, house district, and school district-level.
Clicking each option will alter your visual to show data according to your selected geography level.
Explore your layers’ data types (Figure 10). Common map layer data types are percent and total.
Clicking each option will alter your visual in alignment with your selected data type.
To save your map to your SparkMap profile, simply click the “Save” button at the top right corner of the page (Figure 13).
You must be logged into your SparkMap account to access the “Save” function.
To share as a link in an email, or via social media, click the “share” button at the top right corner of the page (Figure 14).
Finally, to download your map, click the “export” button at the top right corner of the page. You will have the option to download as a PDF or PNG file.
