How do I create a clickable map in SharePoint?

To create a clickable map in SharePoint, you typically embed an interactive map generated by an external service or construct an image map using HTML within a SharePoint page.

Leveraging External Interactive Map Services

The most common and flexible way to create a feature-rich, clickable map in SharePoint is by embedding a map generated by a third-party interactive map service. These services allow you to design sophisticated maps with various markers, regions, and layers, which can then be easily integrated into your SharePoint site.

Steps to Embed an Interactive Map

Follow these general steps to bring an external interactive map into your SharePoint environment:

1. Create Your Map on an External Service:

   • Utilize a dedicated online map editor (such as Google Maps Platform, Bing Maps Platform, Mapme, or similar services) to design and build your interactive map.
   • Add your desired locations, points of interest, custom details, and styling. Many services allow you to define what happens when a user clicks on a specific area or marker (e.g., opening a pop-up with information, linking to another page).

2. Generate and Configure the Embed Code:

   • Within your chosen map editor, locate the option to embed your map. This is often found under an "Embed" or "Share" menu.
   • Here, you can customize the map's display settings to suit your SharePoint page. This includes adjusting its dimensions (width and height), initial zoom levels, and various other display options to ensure it looks and functions as intended on your site.
   • Once you've configured these settings, copy the generated embed code. This code is typically an HTML <iframe> tag.

3. Add to Your SharePoint Page:

   • Navigate to the SharePoint page where you want to display the map.
   • Edit the page and add the Embed web part. This web part allows you to paste HTML embed codes from external services.

4. Paste the Embed Code and Publish:

   • Paste the copied embed code into the Embed web part's configuration panel.
   • Save and publish your SharePoint page. Your interactive, clickable map should now be visible and fully functional.

Popular External Map Services for SharePoint

Service	Features	Use Case
Google Maps	Custom markers, directions, Street View, APIs	Location finders, store locators, event maps
Bing Maps	Similar to Google Maps, custom styling	Enterprise mapping, internal asset tracking
Mapme	Easy-to-use editor, rich interactive features	Event maps, campus maps, business directories
Leaflet / Mapbox	Open-source (Leaflet), highly customizable (Mapbox)	Custom data visualization, specific design needs

Best Practices for Embedding Maps

• Responsiveness: Ensure the embed code (or the service itself) is configured for responsiveness, so the map scales well across different device sizes (desktops, tablets, mobiles).
• API Keys: For some services, you might need an API key for full functionality. Ensure it's correctly configured and secured.
• Permissions: Verify that your SharePoint site's security settings allow external content embedding, especially if using a highly restricted environment.
• Performance: Large or complex maps can impact page load times. Optimize map layers and data for speed.

Creating Clickable Image Maps in SharePoint

For simpler scenarios where you have a static image (e.g., an office floor plan, a regional overview) and want to make specific areas clickable without needing advanced interactive map features, you can create an image map.

Method 1: Using HTML Embed with Image Map Tags

This method involves creating an image map using standard HTML <map> and <area> tags, which define clickable regions (hotspots) on an image.

1. Prepare Your Image: Upload the image (e.g., a JPEG or PNG of your map) to a SharePoint library or another accessible location.
2. Generate Image Map HTML: Use an online image map generator tool (e.g., Image-Maps.com) to define the coordinates and links for each clickable area on your image. These tools make it easy to draw shapes (rectangles, circles, polygons) and assign URLs.
3. Copy the HTML Code: The generator will provide you with HTML code containing the <map> and <area> tags.
4. Embed in SharePoint: Add an Embed web part to your SharePoint page.
5. Paste and Publish: Paste the generated HTML code into the Embed web part. Ensure the <img> tag within the HTML points to the correct URL of your image hosted in SharePoint or elsewhere.

Method 2: SharePoint Image Web Part (Limited Clickability)

While not a true "clickable map" in the interactive sense, the standard SharePoint Image web part allows you to link the entire image or add a single overlay link. This is a very basic approach and doesn't support multiple clickable regions on one image directly.

1. Add Image Web Part: Insert an Image web part onto your SharePoint page.
2. Select Image: Choose your map image from your site, a stock image, or upload one.
3. Add Link (Optional): In the image web part settings, you can add a single hyperlink that the entire image will point to when clicked.

Advanced Customization with SharePoint Framework (SPFX)

For highly dynamic, data-driven, or custom-branded maps that require deep integration with SharePoint lists, external data sources, or specific business logic, consider developing a custom SharePoint Framework (SPFX) web part. This approach requires development skills but offers maximum flexibility and control, allowing you to integrate various mapping libraries (e.g., Leaflet.js, OpenLayers) directly.

Choosing the Right Method

Feature	External Interactive Map Services	HTML Image Map (Embed Web Part)	SharePoint Framework (SPFX)
Complexity	Low to Medium	Low to Medium	High
Interactivity	High (zoom, pan, pop-ups, layers)	Basic (click specific regions)	Unlimited
Data Integration	Service-dependent	Manual linking	High (with SharePoint data)
Maintenance	Managed by service provider	Manual HTML updates	Requires developer
Use Case	Location finders, event maps	Static floor plans, simple navigations	Custom applications, large-scale GIS

By selecting the method that best aligns with your needs and technical capabilities, you can effectively create a clickable map experience within your SharePoint environment.