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Map Implementation Options

Updated: Courtney Conover Edited:

There are multiple options for sharing your map with the world:

  1. Direct Concept3D URL (or redirect to Concept3D URL)
  2. CNAME (Concept3D suggested approach) 
  3. Iframe Embed
  4. iOS/Android app embed as Web Modal
  5. Native iOS/Android app experience using the optional API

1. Direct Concept3D URL 

All users are provided with a live, hosted webpage unique to their map. The URL structure looks like this: https://map.concept3d.com/?id=[mad_ID]. You are free to use this URL anywhere and everywhere. It is actually recommended, but not required to use our direct URL when embedding your site in another via iframe. 

Why?

  • Simple, no setup work on your end
  • Do not need any additional IT support on your end

Why not? 

  • Does not match your branding via URL
  • No direct control over SEO (we provide a description for search engines, but not additional features or functionality) 

Related Option: Redirect Concept3D URL 

  • Do you want the simplicity of the Concept3D URL, but want an easily shareable URL for quick map access? With a little bit of help from your IT staff, you can put in a redirect. 
  • A redirect is a way to send users and search engines to a different URL from the one they see and select. So you can easily share a link like “www.yourwebsite.com/map” but have it redirect to our hosted site, https://map.concept3d.com/?id=[map ID].  

2. CNAME (recommended)  

A CNAME specifies an alias or nickname for a canonical name record in a domain name system (DNS) database. Which is really a fancy way of saying it is a URL that looks different from the map.concept3d.com URL, but acts the same! 

We recommend CNAME because it provides the most consistent, accessible, full-page experience, with share links working automatically and fewer issues than iframe embeds.

Why?

  • All functionality and features will work seamlessly with CNAME implementations

  • You want a custom/branded map URL (e.g., maps.school.edu) without building or hosting a separate web server.

  • You want a full-page map experience (no iframe container), which avoids common embed issues on mobile and desktop.

  • Share links / deep links work automatically (no custom “URL passthrough” JavaScript needed like with iframes).

  • You want a more reliable accessibility outcome because the map isn’t affected by your site’s headers, overlays, cookie banners, or other scripts that can interfere with embedded content.

  • Your website is in Drupal (or another CMS) and you want to avoid iframe embed complexity.

  • CNAME is included in Concept3D Interactive Map packages.

Why not? 

  • You do not want to let us host an SSL certificate on your behalf. 
  • Less control over SEO (we can add a custom description to the map that will return in search results) 

3. Iframe Embed

An inline frame (iframe) can be used to expend external websites/content (like the Concept3D hosted map) within page of an existing webpage (like your website). In this option, the Concept3D map URL (https://map.concept3d.com/?id=[map ID]) will be embedded in an iframe within your existing website. 

Why?

  • You want the map to stay within your site’s look & feel (header, footer, navigation).

  • You want to optimize the host page for SEO (page title, headings, supporting content, internal links).

  • You want a quick setup that doesn’t require DNS/SSL coordination (unlike CNAME).

  • You already have a webpage where the map should live and want to keep that URL consistent. (Note: depending on the URL, we may still be able to do this with a CNAME).

  • You want the map on a page where you manage site-wide consent banners/cookie tooling (note: browser privacy settings can still limit cookies inside iframes).

Why not? 

  • If you would like the map share URLs to have the same base URL as the map, you will need to include some custom javascript that "transfers" the hash (the part of the URL unique to what you are sharing) from the browser to the iframe.  We have examples of this. More information can be found in this help article. 

  • Iframe security restrictions can block the map: Some organizations restrict embedding for security reasons, which can prevent the map from loading unless allowlisted.

  • Accessibility is not guaranteed in an iframe embed: Your site’s structure, overlays/modals, cookie banners, focus handling, keyboard traps, CSS/zoom behavior, and third-party scripts can affect accessibility in ways Concept3D can’t control.

  • External links may behave differently: Opening external pages/new tabs can be impacted by browser policies, popup blockers, or site security settings.

  • You may not be able to create a page on your site to host the iframe.

  • Your site’s header/footer may reduce usable map space on mobile, creating a poor experience.

  • Your site must be secure (HTTPS) to embed securely and avoid browser warnings.

  • Some CMS setups (including Drupal) may require additional configuration or a custom module/plugin to embed iframes reliably.

  • Some functionality, like restricted maps, will not work within iframes 

 

 

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