Maps

Filter and display geodata.

Drupal maps overview

Aim

Display geo data in an accessible way to users, allowing the to search filter and display relevant to location.

Approach

Design and implement an underlying data structure capable of supporting the requirements. Implement a dynamic mapping solution allowing users to discover information relevant to them.

Outcome

A fast dynamic solution allowing users to interact freely to discover information and then drill down into the detail.

Drupal mapping solutions

Mapping is a natural application for the web. It is both data driven and visual and so it opens the way for implementations which are delightful and useful to users.

The Drupal contrib space provides a solid foundation for building a mapping solution:

  • Address field can collect and store data
  • Geo encoding solutions can convert addresses to locations
  • Mapping frontends (Google Maps, Leaflet) can be used to display the data.
  • Backend data services such as JSONAPI can expose the data to the frontend
  • Frontend code (ReactJS) can provide the logic for a dynamic experience.

Morpht has built a number of mapping solutions which uses a recipe similar to the one above. We are able to build decoupled mapping components which allow users to explore and filter locations dynamically. These have been very successful in helping users find services and locations near them which suit their needs.

Recent examples of maps we have produced include:

  • National Map component for GovCMS to integrate data into a National Map.
  • Services search and filtering for a State health department.
  • Organisation lookup for Federal government agency.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Morpht has a dedicated maps and geodata practice, building flexible mapping solutions on top of ReactJS and mapping engines including Leaflet (for GeoJSON data) and Google Maps-based GeoCharts. Convivial for GovCMS includes native Map and GeoChart components. Morpht has delivered mapping solutions for government agencies that need to display service locations, environmental data, regional statistics, and spatial information in an accessible, responsive format.

Purpose-built mapping is typically needed when the map is core functionality rather than decoration; location-based service finders, spatial data visualisation, or interactive tools where accessibility, styling consistency, data source flexibility, or privacy considerations (avoiding third-party tracking embedded in some map providers) matter more than a simple embed can deliver.

Yes. Drupal's integration flexibility extends to connecting with spatial/GIS data sources and APIs, which is common in government use cases like environmental, planning or emergency-service mapping tools.

Yes. This is often overlooked; interactive maps need keyboard navigability and non-visual alternatives (e.g. accessible data tables or search-based alternatives to a purely visual map) to meet WCAG AA, since a map that's only usable by mouse/touch fails accessibility requirements regardless of how good it looks.

Insights

GovCMS How to: Maps
Article

GovCMS How to: Maps

A guide to setting up a simple map solution on GovCMS SaaS.
Plane
Case study

Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC)

Morpht redesigned and uplifted The Australian Air Force Cadets website (GovCMS SaaS) with a new look and functionality.
TAG case study
Case study

NSW Trustee and Guardian

In this case study, find out how Morpht integrated CRM, Google Maps, Customer Portal and Drupal to deliver a seamless user experience for the customer and editor alike.
National Map Embed
Article

National Map in GovCMS

NationalMap has been added as a component to the Convivial starter site for GovCMS and GovCMS8.
OpenLayers Custom markers
Article

How to Use Custom Markers for OpenLayers

OpenLayers module is a popular solution for mapping in Drupal. The biggest benefit is the ability to use different map providers, complete Feature support and, last but not least, the simplicity of creating custom markers.

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