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Map Editor – Create a Map, Upload and Style Data & Share with Collaborators

This guide will walk you through the essentials of creating your first map in the Map Editor. You’ll learn how to create a new map, upload and add data, style it to your liking, and share it with others in just five easy steps.

1. Create a New Map

First things first—log in to the Map Editor with your GIS Cloud credentials. From the home page:

  • Click Create New Map
  • Enter a name for your map
  • Choose a basemap (you can always change it later!)
  • Click Save—your new map will open automatically

🎥 Are you a visual learner? Check out the video tutorial!

2. Upload Your Data

You have a few options when it comes to uploading data:

  • Click Add Layer to open the Source Browser, where you can upload your files
  • Use the File Manager under the Tools tab to upload from your device
  • Or simply drag and drop your files right onto the map! (This works in both Source Browser and File Manager.)

🔎 For a deeper dive, check out this collection of guides that cover uploading vector, raster and CSV/Excel data.

3. Add Data to the Map

Once your files are uploaded to the File Manager, it’s time to display them on the map:

  • Click Add Layer
  • Select the layer(s) you want from the list
  • Add them to your map—individually or in bulk

💡 Want to make your data editable? We got you covered!

Head to Database Manager under Tools, click Import Geospatial File, and select your layer from the File Manager. Set the table name, encoding, projection, and geometry type, then click Import. Finally, change the layer’s data source from File Manager to the new database table to enable editing.

📘 Learn more about importing and enabling editing in this in-depth guide.

4. Style your Data

Time to make your map pop! 🎨

Double-click the layer in the Layer List to open Layer Properties. Go to the Style tab to customise:

  • Manually change colours and symbols
  • Classify features by attribute values
  • Use the Classification Wizard for quick auto-styling

Want inspiration? Check out our styling and classification guides and examples.

5. Share Your Map

Ready to show off your work and start collaborating with other users in your organisation?

  • Click the Share button in the Map tab
  • Enter the GIS Cloud username of your collaborators
  • Click Share and assign the appropriate permissions (view, edit, share, export, collect, update)

You can fine-tune access for each user or create user groups for easier sharing with teams.
📖 Learn more about sharing and permissions.

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