The Jetpack Map Block is a handy tool for adding interactive maps to your WordPress site.

It’s part of the Jetpack Blocks suite so it comes activated by default and doesn’t require a paid upgrade.

To use the Map Block you’ll need a Mapbox access token which you can obtain from their website.

Ready to unlock the power of interactive maps on your WordPress site? Get your free Mapbox access token and start creating stunning, engaging maps today! Get your free Mapbox access token now! 🗺️

Table of Contents

Getting Your Mapbox Access Token

Think of a Mapbox access token as your key to unlocking the world of interactive maps.

It’s a unique identifier that connects your website to Mapbox’s services allowing you to display maps on your pages and posts.

Here’s how to get yours:

Head to Mapbox: Open a web browser and visit https://www.mapbox.com/.
Sign Up or Log In: If you don’t have an account create one. Otherwise log in to your existing account.
Create an Access Token: Once logged in navigate to the “Account” or “Profile” section. You’ll find options to create new access tokens.
Choose a Plan: Mapbox offers different plans with varying features. Select the plan that best suits your needs.
Name Your Token: Give your access token a descriptive name. For example you could call it “My WordPress Site Map Token” for easy identification.
Copy Your Token: After creating your access token you’ll be given a unique code. Make sure you copy this code carefully as you’ll need it to activate the Jetpack Map Block.

Using the Jetpack Map Block

Once you have your Mapbox access token you can start using the Jetpack Map Block in your WordPress posts and pages.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Access the Block Editor: Make sure you’re using the Block Editor (also known as Gutenberg) for your WordPress site. If you’re using the Classic Editor you can switch back to the Block Editor through the settings.
Add the Map Block: When editing a post or page look for the “Maps” option in the block picker. You’ll recognize the Jetpack Map Block by its green icon.
Enter Your Mapbox Access Token: After adding the block you’ll see a setting area for your access token. Paste the token you copied earlier.
Set Your Starting Location: The first step is to define the initial view of your map. You can either enter an address or coordinates directly or use the “Search” option to find a specific location.
Customize Your Map: The Jetpack Map Block offers a range of customization options:
- Zoom Level: Control how close or far out you want your map to be initially zoomed.
- Map Style: Choose from various Mapbox map styles to match your website’s design.
- Marker Icons: Select different marker icons to represent your locations.
- Markers: Add multiple markers to represent different points of interest on the map.

Adding Markers to Your Map

The Jetpack Map Block allows you to add multiple markers to your map.

This is particularly useful if you want to highlight several locations like a chain of stores or a tour route.

Adding a Marker: Click on the map where you want to add a marker. A pop-up window will appear where you can enter the location details.
Entering Location Details: You can either type in an address coordinates or search for a specific location.
Customizing Markers: The Jetpack Map Block gives you options to customize the appearance of each marker:
- Marker Label: Add a label to your marker to provide additional information about the location.
- Marker Icon: Select a different icon for your marker to represent the location’s type or category.
- Marker Pop-up: Add a pop-up window to each marker that can contain more detailed information such as a description website address or contact information.

Advanced Customization Options

The Jetpack Map Block also offers advanced settings to further customize your map.

Block Settings

When you select the Map Block in your WordPress editor you can access the block settings from the right sidebar.

Here’s what you can do:

Edit Markers: You can edit all your markers directly from the Markers section settings. This is particularly helpful if you have a lot of markers and want to make changes to multiple markers at once.
Edit Mapbox Access Token: You can update or remove your Mapbox access token from the settings.
Custom CSS Class: You can add a custom CSS class to your map in the Advanced settings. This allows you to style your map using your own CSS rules for a truly personalized look.

Removing a Mapbox Access Token

While it’s possible to remove a Mapbox access token from your site it’s important to understand the implications.

Global Removal: If you remove an access token from one map it will be removed from all maps on your site.
Marker Preservation: Your location markers will be saved even if you remove the access token. This means you can re-add a new access token and all your markers will reappear on the map.

Mapbox Privacy Policy

The Jetpack Map Block uses Mapbox services.

You can find their privacy policy at https://www.mapbox.com/privacy/.

Data Collected

Here’s a breakdown of the data collected by the Jetpack Map Block:

Mapbox API Key: This is essential for using Mapbox services and displaying maps.
Search Terms: When you search for locations the search terms are sent to Mapbox.
Map Tiles: The visual map tiles are loaded from Mapbox servers.
Post Contents: Information about the post or page containing the map is also collected.
Block Settings: Data about the available settings and how they are configured is synchronized with Mapbox.

Conclusion

The Jetpack Map Block offers a simple and powerful way to add interactive maps to your WordPress site.

With its easy-to-use interface and customization options you can create maps that enhance your website’s content and user experience.

Remember to get your Mapbox access token and explore the features of the block to create engaging and informative maps for your visitors.