Skip to main content
Close
WE'RE ALL ABOUT
YOUR
SUCCESS
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET IN TOUCH:
Email
Calendar
Close
READY FOR MAPLINE TO
ROCK
YOUR WORLD?
Our team is ready to help you eliminate wasted time, maximize your sales coverage, and supercharge your team's efficiency. We'll provide the expert guidance and tailored solutions you need to get things right.
Stop missing out on valuable opportunities. Reach out, and we'll get started on optimizing your territories today!
Email
Calendar
Close
READY FOR MAPLINE TO
ROCK
YOUR WORLD?
WE WANT YOU TO EXPERIENCE EVERY-THING YOU'VE BEEN MISSING BY STARTING YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY! OUR TEAM IS READY TO HELP CHANGE YOUR LIFE. SO REACH OUT AND WE'LL GET THINGS STARTED!
Email
Calendar
Close
READY FOR MAPLINE TO
ROCK
YOUR WORLD?
Discover the potential of Mapline with a LIVE DEMO from our experts. This is your chance to see it in real-time and get all your questions answered. Connect with us to schedule your demo today!
Email
Calendar
Close
Give us a call. We'd love to talk!

+1 800.969.1454

Close
Give us a call. We'd love to talk!

+1.888.670.3795

Close
Close
Geo Mapping Starter Close

Experience the power

Get ready to see your data in a whole new way!
Geo BI Trial Close

Experience the power

Get ready to see your data in a whole new way!
Your 7-day free trial awaits!
Geo Routing Trial Close

Experience the power

Get ready to see your data in a whole new way!
Your 7-day free trial awaits!
Geo Scheduling Trial Close

Experience the power

Get ready to see your data in a whole new way!
Your 7-day free trial awaits!
Close
Close
Static vs Dynamic
Map Exports:
When to Use Each
Static vs Dynamic
Map Exports:
When to Use Each

When preparing a map for a presentation, report, or dashboard, choosing the right type of map export—static or dynamic—controls how your audience interacts with the data. Static exports are image-based and perfect for polished, slide-ready visuals. Dynamic maps, on the other hand, pull live data and allow users to explore layers, pins, and metrics on demand. In this post, you’ll learn when to use static PNG exports and when a dynamic, interactive map provides more value to your audience—especially when internal teams need to drill deeper into routes, territories, or customer data.

Static Map Exports (PNG) — Crisp, Presentation-Ready Visuals

Static map exports are ideal when you need a fixed visual for slides, PDFs, printed materials, or executive presentations. A static map is essentially a high-resolution image; nothing updates or changes once exported. This makes static maps perfect for delivering a clear, story-driven visual without overwhelm or distraction. They’re compact, easy to share, and universally compatible with platforms like PowerPoint, Google Slides, and email attachments. Use static exports when you want full control over what the viewer sees and how they interpret data.

example of a static map image
magnifying glass with a checkmark inside

Pro Tip: Use a static export at the beginning of a presentation, and link a dynamic version in the follow-up email so stakeholders can explore the data themselves.

Best Use Cases for Static Maps

Static maps are the right choice when your audience doesn’t need to explore the map or interact with the data. They’re perfect for sales decks, stakeholder presentations, trade show slides, or print collateral. Exporting maps as PNG ensures high resolution for zooming and projecting onto large screens. Use static maps when the goal is clarity—not exploration.

territory mapping software

Perfect for PowerPoint, PDF, and Print

Static map exports shine when the goal is consistency and visual impact. Because PNG files preserve sharp lines and color detail, your map remains crisp when resized on slides or printed on large-format displays. There’s no risk of accidental zooming, shifting views, or revealing confidential data through interaction—what you export is exactly what the audience sees. Static exports also simplify reviews because every stakeholder sees the same version of the map.

Salesperson presenting a coverage area map in a client meeting

Dynamic Maps — Live, Interactive, and Data-Driven

Dynamic maps are built to be explored. Instead of delivering a frozen visual, dynamic maps allow your audience to zoom, filter, hover over pins, toggle layers, or reveal real-time data on demand. They are particularly powerful when dealing with large datasets, evolving location data, or scenarios that require ongoing updates—such as delivery planning, field service scheduling, or territory management. Dynamic maps connect to your data source, meaning customers, technicians, or analysts always see the most current information. When the underlying data changes, the map changes automatically—no need to re-export.

example of a dynamic map image

Best Use Cases for Dynamic Maps

Use dynamic maps when viewers need to interact with your data or explore deep detail. They’re ideal for dashboards, embedded analytics on your website, or collaborative planning sessions with cross-functional teams. For example, a dynamic routing map allows dispatchers to reroute drivers, update priority stops, and track progress in real time. In dashboard views, users can filter territories, click pins to expand details, or visualize customer distribution. Dynamic maps are the right choice when maintaining data accuracy and flexibility is critical.

Mapping government boundaries enhances your business strategy

Ideal for Dashboards, Live Data, and Collaboration

Dynamic maps transform static visuals into interactive decision tools. Users can hover to see location details, switch between data layers, or change filters in real time. When working with large datasets—such as thousands of customers, delivery stops, or field assets—dynamic maps eliminate the need to generate new exports for every view. Instead, teams get a living map that updates itself based on your data source, which means no repetitive downloads or manual file management.

Target audience segmentation is key to understanding your audience

Static vs. Dynamic Maps: Key Differences

While both static and dynamic maps communicate location-based insights, they serve different purposes depending on your output: storytelling or exploration. The table below highlights the main differences and how each map type supports your workflow. Static maps bring visual clarity and simplicity, while dynamic maps unlock deeper analysis and live collaboration.

FeatureStatic Map Export (PNG)Dynamic Map (Interactive)
Updates Automatically✖ No — image is fixed once exported✔ Yes — reflects live data
Interactive (zoom, click, filter)✖ Not interactive✔ Fully interactive
Best ForPresentations, PDFs, printDashboards, collaboration, live updates
Visual Consistency✔ Always looks the sameDepends on viewer settings

When to Use Static vs. Dynamic in Mapline

Mapline offers both static exports and dynamic map sharing—so you don’t have to choose one or the other. Presenters can export high-resolution PNG maps for slide decks, while analysts can share a dynamic map link for deeper exploration. This flexibility makes Mapline ideal for teams that collaborate across business functions—sales, operations, planning, and leadership. Whether you’re showing results or exploring decisions, Mapline adapts to your workflow.

Can I export a static map from Mapline as a PNG?

Yes, Mapline exports crisp, presentation-ready PNG images without pixelation.

Can I share a dynamic map with someone who doesn’t have an account?

Yes — you can share a view-only link or embed the interactive map into dashboards.

Does Mapline support multiple layers (territories, pins, heat maps)?

Yes — any visible layers will appear in both static and dynamic versions.

Can I export maps from Google Maps or ArcGIS?

Yes, but you may encounter resolution limits depending on the platform. Mapline exports at full resolution every time.

START EXPORTING MAPS WITH CONFIDENCE