Global map settings

This article explains Global map settings in MapTiler Customize. You can find this panel as a third icon on the left side menu or use the Alt+S shortcut.

Important notice

To use MapTiler Customize, you need to set up a MapTiler Cloud account. If you don't have one yet, don't hesitate to sign up for free!

Worldview

The worldview section of the Settings allows changing map language, alternative names, units, and borders.

Language

The language menu contains many different world languages or a native option. Native is the local language of the country where the map feature is located.

If the data have different languages tagged in the name attributes, it will change with this setting. You can check this after clicking on a specific layer and switching to the Data tab.

Alternative names

Alternative names include Latin transcription with non-Latin languages.

Units

Units allow switching between meters and feet globally. This setting is visible in mountain peaks' elevation or contours.

Borders

In the Borders settings, users can choose their preferred disputed borders view. More details can be found in this article.

Default view

The default view defines the initial rendering position of the map with the zoom level, latitude, longitude, tilt, and rotation. The default position of MapTiler maps is zoom level 1 with all other properties on zero.

If you want to have a map's specific position as the default view, use the icon next to it (Set current view).

Zoom level

Zoom level defines the level of detail that can vary from value 0 to 22. Zoom level can be changed by scrolling in the map or typing it in the upper right corner. You can also use a set current zoom level button.

Latitude, longitude

Lat and lon coordinates define the center of the map. Both are measured in degrees. If you are not sure about the coordinates of a place, you can use the Set current latitude/longitude button or some web tools such as Get Lat Lon OSM.

Tilt and rotation

You can tilt or rotate the map with your right mouse button or with the clock symbol in the upper right corner of the map.

Font fallback

In global maps, it is important to think about the font’s ability to draw different scripts. Your default font will switch to the fallback font in case of unsupported characters. We include Noto Sans and Serif in the drop-down menu as it supports Arabic, Cyrillic, Greek, Chinese, or Japanese scripts as well as Latin.

Conclusion

Settings (Alt+S) in MapTiler Customize allow users to adjust languages, units, or borders in their maps or change the initial map position based on zoom level, latitude, longitude, or tilt and rotation.

Useful links

Disputed borders on your maps
Languages | MapTiler Planet schema