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Static Maps: Shareable Map Images

Updated: Zack Mertz Edited:

Static Maps are lightweight snapshot images of your map. Use them when you want to highlight a location on a webpage or share a simple map image without embedding the full interactive map.

They work for any existing map (no special activation), load quickly, and are controlled entirely by a URL.

Note: Static Maps are not supported with 360º Maps. The image defaults to a 2D view of your map.

Try it: Static Playground

Build a Static Map URL and preview the result:

Real-world example

See Static Maps in use on the WPI Alumni Stadium page.

Example of a Static Map embedded on a university webpage

At a glance

What you want How
Show a specific location Add &loc= with the location’s Marker Instance ID
Change image size &scale=1 (512px), 2 (1024px), or 4 (2048px)
Change zoom &zoom= from 0 (far) to 21 (close). Default is 19
Show the location’s own marker text Turn on Show Marker Text in the CMS. No URL parameter needed
Add an optional overlay label &label (CMS name) or &label=Custom%20Name
Include Dynamic Labels &map_labels= with one or more category IDs

Build a Static Map URL

Base pattern:

https://staticmap.concept3d.com/map/static-map/?map=<MAP_ID>&loc=<MARKER_INSTANCE_ID>&scale=<SCALE>&zoom=<ZOOM>

Map ID is the number after ?id= in your interactive map URL (for example, 1216 in https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1216).

Marker Instance ID is the number after ?m/ when a location is open on the map. Locations in multiple categories have more than one Marker Instance ID. Example:

https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1216#!ce/40656?ct/61964?m/969264

In that URL, the Marker Instance ID is 969264.

URL parameters

Parameter Required? What it does Example
map Yes Your map ID ?map=1216
loc Yes (for a focused location) Marker Instance ID to center on &loc=307883
scale No Image size: 1 = 512px (default), 2 = 1024px, 4 = 2048px &scale=2
zoom No Zoom level 0–21 (default 19) &zoom=17
label No Optional overlay label (see below). Separate from Show Marker Text &label or &label=Alumni%20Stadium
map_labels No Dynamic Labels category IDs (comma-separated) &map_labels=12345,67890

Marker text (Show Marker Text)

If a location has Show Marker Text enabled in the CMS, that text now appears on the Static Map image automatically. You do not need a URL parameter for it.

  • Styling matches the interactive map (font, color, halo, and placement).
  • With an icon: text sits below the marker.
  • Text-only locations (no icon, Show Marker Text on): the image shows text only, with no default pin.
  • If Show Marker Text is off, the Static Map stays icon/shape only.

Optional overlay label (&label)

Use &label when you want an extra label on the image. This is separate from Show Marker Text.

  • &label alone: uses the location’s CMS name as an overlay label.
  • &label=Custom%20Name: uses your custom text. Use %20 for spaces.

Dynamic Labels on Static Maps

Sample URLs

  • Basic:
    https://staticmap.concept3d.com/map/static-map/?map=1216&loc=307883
  • With overlay label:
    https://staticmap.concept3d.com/map/static-map/?map=1216&loc=307883&label
  • Custom scale, zoom, and overlay label:
    https://staticmap.concept3d.com/map/static-map/?map=1216&loc=307883&scale=2&label&zoom=17
  • Custom overlay text:
    https://staticmap.concept3d.com/map/static-map/?map=1216&loc=307883&scale=1&label=Concept3D%20Sample

Make the image clickable

For the best experience, link the Static Map image back to your interactive map so visitors can explore further.

In that sample:

  • The first URL is where the click should go (your interactive map URL or custom map domain).
  • The second URL is the Static Map image URL you built above.

Tips for Success

  • Always add alt text when you embed the image.
  • Keep zoom levels reasonable: too close can cut off context; too far can make the location hard to spot.
  • Use Static Maps for fast snapshots. Use the interactive map when visitors need search, directions, or rich detail.
  • Remember: Static Maps cannot display 360º Maps and will show the 2D layer instead.
  • If marker text is missing from the image, check that Show Marker Text is enabled for that location in the CMS.

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