Frequently asked questions: Map embed, file formats, fonts

Frequently asked questions

Maps

• How often are the maps updated?

  Our database is updated every three months, at the latest. The last data import was carried out on 10th of October 2024.

• Can content be added to and removed from the maps?

  Our “Multicolor” and “Shades of Gray” designs are available with and without labels. The labelled versions are optionally available as a Photoshop file with a separate text layer. Content other than text can be removed from the PDF vector files after they have been downloaded using a software package such as Adobe Illustrator or the free program Inkscape

• For which regions can you supply aerial photographs?

  We currently offer aerial photographs of the german federal states of Berlin, Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, Thuringia and the whole of Austria, from the special purpose maps section. Along with the aerial photographs listed above, a special agreement allows us to offer our flat-rate customers access to aerial photographs of the whole of Germany.   

• My aerial photograph is empty. What went wrong?

  The aerial images come from official sources, and are accessed directly from the server of the respective government agency. Unfortunately, the authorities limit the resolution of the images available to us. If the chosen paper format and resolution exceed that limit, then our download module will receive an empty file.
  
  In such cases, please reduce the resolution and/or the size of the paper format. Alternatively, you can download numerous smaller sections for later reassembly. We are currently unable to give specific details regarding the limits set by the individual government agencies.  

File formats

• Which resolution is suitable for a particular application?

  We offer pixel-based PNG, JPG and Photoshop files in three different resolutions: 100 dpi for layout and preview purposes (free), 200 dpi for office printers and screen viewing, and 400 dpi for professional digital or offset printing.

• What is special about the editable PDF format (.pdf)?

  The editable PDF format is a vector format, which can be opened and edited using software like Adobe Illustrator or the free program Inkscape. Unlike raster file formats, which process and save all data as pixels, vector files save the geometry and color values of graphic objects. That allows individual elements to be edited and amended directly. For example, a freeway sign or label that is in the way can be moved to a new location, or the color of a group of objects can be changed with a few clicks of a mouse.
  
  All the elements of our maps have an individual color value, which can be used to make selections. This method (selection by color) allows content elements of a specific type to be selected and assigned to separate layers using vector graphics software (e.g. Adobe Illustrator). Please refer to our manual for more information about how to edit PDF files. Samples of PDF files are available from the Map design and demo files page, which allows you to assess their quality before you register.               

• Why are the text elements in maps sometimes converted into outlines?

  This is a technical issue and only affects written elements that are aligned with pathways (e.g. when the label follows a curved street). Horizontal written elements are always editable as whole words.

• Why can’t the text layers in Photoshop files be edited as text?

  The generated map data is pixel-based, meaning it is a traditional image file. The text can therefore only be edited by retouching the image. The separation of the labels into a distinct layer is nonetheless sensible, as it allows, for example, the name of a town or city to be removed or added without affecting the surrounding elements.  

• Which font do the maps use?

  We use the free open source font Fira Sans by Erik Spiekermann. You can download the font at fonts.google.com.   

• Why does Adobe Illustrator say the Fira Sans font family is missing?

  When you open an PDF file in Adobe Illustrator, the program will inform you that Fira Sans-font family is not installed to your system. Fira Sans is the font family we use to label all our map elements.
  
  Because our PDF files embed all fonts, you do not have to install the fonts to your computer – the map will be presented correctly and you can ignore the message. However, if you want to add labels that match the existing text exactly, then it makes sense to install the font family. You can download the font at fonts.google.com.

Import of GIS data

• What projections are supported?

  Please note: mapz.com supports the import of GeoJSON files in EPSG:4326 only.

Embedded interactive maps

• Can I add an interactive map to my own website?

  Yes, you can use our embedding function. If you want to add a large number of maps to a website or app, then we recommend using our API.

Search

• How can I improve my search results?

  If they are available, search by house number, street, postal code and town/city. If your search does not return any results, or if the results are incorrect, then leave out the house number. If that doesn’t work, then leave out the postal code. The more general the search, the more results it will return.

• The search function can’t find the required street. Why?

  In some exceptional cases, the search function may not be able to locate a street (or location) although it is marked on the map. That is generally due to an incorrect record for the street or location, or an incorrect database entry. Please help us to improve the database by reporting errors to the OpenStreetMap project.  

• I can’t see the required street or location on the map.

  In some rare cases a street or location may be shown but not labelled. The position of the search result will be shown by a marker.

Registration etc.

• Do I have to register?

  If you only want to view our maps, then there is no need to create a user account. A user account is required to use the “Download”, “Drawing Tools”, “My Maps” and “Settings” functions.

• How can I delete or deactivate my account?

  If you are logged in, you can deactivate your account at any time via the selection menu "Preferences" and the menu item "Deactivate Account". From then on, you will not receive any more messages from us. Since we assign our usage rights without time limits, we will namely continue to store your data for the traceability of the downloaded maps, but will completely shut down your account and remove it in conformity with the terms of the DSGVO from the operative business. Once an account has been deactivated, it can not be reactivated independently.

• Can I download a file more than once?

  Yes. All downloads will be saved under “My Maps” for at least 60 days. There is no limit to the number of times they can be downloaded. If you want to change the selection, resolution or file format, then select “Duplicate” and make the necessary changes before downloading the file again.

Rights of use

• How should the copyright notice be displayed?

  Printed maps and products should include the following text in the appropriate location:
  © mapz.com – Map Data: OpenStreetMap ODbL.
  Online maps should link to mapz.com.

• Why aren’t maps from the OpenStreetMap project free to all customers?

  Our general terms and conditions allow for free downloading and use of all our maps in the lowest resolution (100 dpi) by any user (including commercial users).

• Why are higher quality map downloads (resolutions higher than 100 dpi or vectors files) subject to fees?

  It has taken us a number of years to create a system that generates the required maps using the latest server technology, based on raw data from the OpenStreetMap project, and that allows downloads in various file formats. That involved considerable investment which, of course, needs to be recouped.