DEV Community: Map Animation Studio

How to animate 50 years of global GDP on a map

Map Animation Studio — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:42:09 +0000

Originally published in the Map Animation Studio guides. I work on Map Animation Studio. AI assistance was used to prepare this illustrated cross-post.

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How to animate 50 years of global GDP on a map

Compare 1976–2025 in 15 seconds with proportional circles, synchronized years and one fixed world view.

Where the data came from

Use World Bank WDI indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD for the world, North America, Europe & Central Asia, and East Asia & Pacific. This is nominal GDP in current US dollars, so prices and exchange rates affect the result. Natural Earth 1:50m country outlines identify the regions using the World Bank’s present-day grouping.

Open the English GDP example from the homepage gallery and start from its template. This film was assembled as a native Studio project and exported with Studio’s engine. The film and all screenshots are in English.

Watch the result

Where the world economy shifted · Play the finished example. The steps below teach a similar workflow, not an exact reconstruction of its settings. This map example has no narration.

Watch the finished map animation.

Studio · 2025 · Set up the map and four markers

1. Calculate each region’s share

Divide each region’s GDP by the world total for the same year, then multiply by 100. Take Rest of world from the difference between the world total and the three regional totals, before rounding. Check that all four shares sum to 100% before rounding, and reject missing or duplicated years. In 2025 the displayed shares are 28.0%, 27.3%, 28.4%, and 16.3%.

1976 · Calculate each region’s share

**Check: **Check the four shares and their matching year.

2. Set up the map and four markers

Use the dark basemap without place labels. Keep the view fixed at 0° E, 17° N and zoom 1.915. Add Area highlight for the three named regions, using blue, green, and gold to identify them. Place their markers at fixed illustrative locations. Put the gray Rest of world marker in the South Atlantic at 24° W, 22° S, leaving the other countries uncolored.

2001 · Set up the map and four markers

2011 · Set up the map and four markers

**Check: **Check the four shares and their matching year.

3. Use circle area to encode GDP share

Use Point highlight for the circle and a centered Label for the name and value. For a share s expressed as a percentage, set the radius to 126 × √(s ÷ 40) pixels. Area then grows in proportion to the share. East Asia & Pacific is about 80 px at 16.1% and 106 px at 28.4%. Hide the ripple layer so the visible area has a single boundary.

Studio · 2025 · Use circle area to encode GDP share

2021 · Use circle area to encode GDP share

**Check: **Check the four shares and their matching year.

4. Switch the year and export

At 24 fps, map the 45-second reference timeline to 15 seconds by dividing cumulative frame boundaries by three and rounding once. Keep all 50 years. At each boundary hide the previous marker, label, and year text as the new ones appear. Use the encoder’s integer-microsecond frame time so a nearly invisible old year cannot shift the new one downward. Preview the three key years and export 1920 × 1080 at 24 fps.

2025 · Switch the year and export

**Check: **Check the four shares and their matching year.

One detail to remember

The marker locations are illustrative. The gray circle represents the combined GDP share of all other economies.

Make your own version

Replace the example with a city you know, finish a short sequence, and review it end to end. Make one clear story before adding more effects.

Open Studio and make your own version.

Original illustrated guide.

Visit Map Animation Studio to explore the editor and other video tutorials.

How to animate the history of U.S. statehood

Map Animation Studio — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:41:10 +0000

Originally published in the Map Animation Studio guides. I work on Map Animation Studio. AI assistance was used to prepare this illustrated cross-post.

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How to animate the history of U.S. statehood

Build a 44-second map timeline from the original thirteen states to Hawaii. Use timed state fills, chapter labels and three camera moves to explain how the U.S. reached 50 states.

Where the data came from

Table 1 of the Congressional Research Service statehood guide supplies the dates. For the original thirteen, those dates record ratification of the Constitution. For the other states, they record when admission took effect. We joined the 50 names to the Census Bureau’s 2024 cartographic state boundaries at 1:20 million scale, then counted the states after each chapter. The outlines are modern and the colors describe statehood, rather than historical territorial control.

The film was assembled as an editable Studio project and exported through the Studio engine. Open the U.S. statehood example in the homepage gallery and choose its template to inspect the same actions and timings. The frames and Studio captures below are from that English project.

Watch the result

How the U.S. became 50 states · Play the finished example. The steps below teach a similar workflow, not an exact reconstruction of its settings. This map example has no narration.

Watch the finished map animation.

The English Studio project with the statehood timeline at 21.50 s.

1. Frame the lower 48 and introduce the original thirteen

Use the dark data visualization basemap, hide base labels, and start with a north-up view centered at 96.5° W, 39.6° N (zoom 3.45, tilt 0°). Set a single scene to 44 seconds. Place the title from 0–2.6 s, then introduce the original thirteen from 2.6–7.6 s, in ratification order. Use one Area highlight action for each outline. This opening holds the same camera across the continental chapters so viewers can compare the map directly.

The first thirteen states during the 1787–1790 chapter.

**Check: **At the end of the first chapter, the thirteen outlines are filled and the counter reads 13.

2. Set the chapter boundaries and replace the text

Put the period, state count and event description in separate Screen text actions. At each boundary, target the previous chapter’s text actions with Hide layers; in this film the exit starts 0.22 s before the boundary and lasts 0.20 s. Chapters begin at 7.6 s (1791–1812, 18 states), 11.8 s (1816–1821, 24), 15.9 s (1836–1848, 30), 20.1 s (1850–1876, 38), 24.8 s (1889–1890, 44) and 28.9 s (1896–1912, 48). Keep one persistent legend at the bottom right.

The 1850–1876 chapter adds eight states, including California and Oregon.

**Check: **Scrub across 20.1 s. The previous labels disappear, the counter becomes 38, and California’s cohort enters.

3. Stagger the gold entrance, then keep the blue fill

Set the first new state’s gold Area highlight (#F4CE65) to start 0.12 s into the chapter and last 0.40 s. Add 0.055 s to each following start. At chapter start +1.95 s, add a blue Area highlight (#3878ED) for each new state and use Hide layers to fade out that state’s gold fill and border over 0.45 s. Leave the blue actions visible for the rest of the film. In the 1850–1876 chapter, California’s gold action starts at 20.22 s and its blue action starts at 22.05 s.

California’s Area highlight action. The gold fill starts at 20.22 s and lasts 0.40 s.

**Check: **After the transition, the newly admitted states are blue and the earlier states remain visible.

4. Move to Alaska, Hawaii and the final overview

At 33.0 s, add a 0.80 s camera move to Alaska (151° W, 63° N, zoom 3.65) and show state 49. At 37.4 s, move to Hawaii (157.4° W, 20.85° N, zoom 6.25) and show state 50. For these two chapters, delay the gold entrance until +0.77 s and the transition to blue until +2.40 s. At 41.0 s, pull back to a view centered at 127° W, 49° N (zoom 2.52) to show all 50 states together. Preview the full 44 seconds and export a 1920 × 1080 MP4 at 24 fps.

Alaska is highlighted as state 49 in January 1959.

Hawaii is highlighted as state 50 in August 1959.

The closing view shows all 50 states in blue.

**Check: **The final view includes the contiguous states, Alaska and Hawaii, and the counter remains at 50.

One detail to remember

Keep statehood and territorial expansion separate. A territory could be part of the United States for decades before it became a state. The film uses each state’s modern outline to make its admission easy to see.

Make your own version

Replace the example with a city you know, finish a short sequence, and review it end to end. Make one clear story before adding more effects.

Open Studio and make your own version.

Original illustrated guide.

Visit Map Animation Studio to explore the editor and other video tutorials.

How to animate the history of EU membership

Map Animation Studio — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:39:52 +0000

Originally published in the Map Animation Studio guides. I work on Map Animation Studio. AI assistance was used to prepare this illustrated cross-post.

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How to animate the history of EU membership

Build a 42-second map timeline of EU membership, from the six EEC founders to the 27 members shown at the end. See how to time country fills, chapter labels and the UK’s exit.

Data sources

The dates and lists of countries come from the Council of the EU’s accession timeline and the EU’s official history, including the 1993 founding and the UK’s withdrawal. We arranged the events in order and recalculated the member count after each change. The shapes come from 28 country boundaries in Natural Earth’s 1:50m dataset. These are present-day outlines used to show membership; the map does not reconstruct historical borders.

The finished film was assembled by scripting an editable Studio project and exporting it with Studio’s rendering engine. To inspect the same actions, open EU membership through time in the homepage showcase and start from its template. All stills and Studio captures in this guide use the English version.

Watch the result

EU membership through time · Play the finished example. The steps below teach a similar workflow, not an exact reconstruction of its settings. This map example has no narration.

Watch the finished map animation.

Studio · 24.60 s · Ten countries join: the largest enlargement

1. Six countries establish the EEC

Gather the accession dates and the 28 country outlines used in the timeline. This project uses Natural Earth boundaries, a dark data visualization basemap and a fixed, north-up view centered at 3° E, 54° N (zoom 3.05, pitch 0°). Turn off the basemap labels so the chapter text stands out. Start with a title from 0–2.6 s, then show Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands from 2.6–6.2 s. Add a Area highlight for each country. Keep the blue membership fill visible after its entrance.

Six countries establish the EEC

**Check: **Community members · 6

2. The European Union is established

Use Screen text for the year, event, member count and legend. At each chapter boundary, hide the previous text using Hide layers and select its original action so only that chapter disappears. Put German reunification at 15.0 s and the formation of the EU at 17.2 s. Both chapters keep 12 members. Keep the map view fixed so that the change in labels can be read without confusing it with a change in membership.

The European Union is established

**Check: **EU members · 12

3. Ten countries join: the largest enlargement

For each accession, place a gold Area highlight (#F4CE65) at chapter start +0.12 s and fade it in over 0.65 s. At +1.70 s, bring in the blue fill (#3878ED) and hide the gold fill and border over 0.50 s. Keep the blue layer active through later chapters. In the 2004 chapter (23.4–29.0 s), apply the same timing to all ten new countries. Scrub across the chapter boundary to check that the count goes from 15 to 25, then verify that all ten highlights settle to blue.

Studio · 23.52–24.17 s · Ten countries join: the largest enlargement

Ten countries join: the largest enlargement

**Check: **EU members · 25

4. The United Kingdom leaves the EU

At 35.0 s, target the UK’s blue fill and border with Hide layers over 0.30 s. Add a warm highlight (#E9AA83), then fade it out from +0.80 s over 1.10 s. Leave other countries visible. Check that the count drops from 28 to 27, and hold the final state from 38.5–42.0 s. Preview the whole sequence and export a 1920 × 1080 MP4 at 25 fps. The finished film is silent.

The United Kingdom leaves the EU

From six founders to today's European Union

**Check: **EU members · 27

One detail to remember

Membership shown using present-day borders · Before 1990, Germany means West Germany

Make your own version

Replace the example with a city you know, finish a short sequence, and review it end to end. Make one clear story before adding more effects.

Open Studio and make your own version.

Original illustrated guide.

Visit Map Animation Studio to explore the editor and other video tutorials.

Review and export your finished video

Map Animation Studio — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:38:39 +0000

Originally published in the Map Animation Studio guides. I work on Map Animation Studio. AI assistance was used to prepare this illustrated cross-post.

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Review and export your finished video

Check format, resolution, frame rate, and playback, then download and inspect the finished file.

A smooth editor preview does not replace checking the downloaded file. Confirm composition and timing before choosing export settings, then play the actual output, especially its opening, joins, and ending. The free review copy uses2D Light, rather than the reference video’s satellite style.

Watch the result

California → San Francisco · Play the finished example. The steps below teach a similar workflow, not an exact reconstruction of its settings. This map example has no narration.

Watch the finished map animation.

The actual California → San Francisco Studio project: edit actions on the left, preview the map in the center, and arrange timing below. This is an example copy; blank projects do not show Change places.

1. Finalize format and framing

Select the intended landscape or portrait format in the toolbar. After changing it, play from the beginning and inspect labels, long routes, and tall buildings near the edges. Do not export immediately after changing the ratio.

1.1 Open the format menu and confirm the ratio. This example uses landscape 16:9; recheck framing after changes.

California → San Francisco project: Confirm the format before exporting; this example uses landscape 16:9.

**Check: **Every shot works in the final format.

2. Choose output settings for the job

The toolbar offers 30 and 60 fps. Review at 30 fps, then choose 60 if needed. Resolution follows the format; the export dialog shows the current pixel dimensions.

2.1 For a free-plan export, choose an available style such as 2D Light in Map style. This review copy uses 2D Light.

California → San Francisco project: the free 2D Light style selected for the actual review export.

2.2 Choose 30 or 60 fps in the frame-rate menu. The actual review copy here uses 30 fps.

California → San Francisco project: The frame-rate menu offers 30 and 60 fps. The review copy uses 30 fps.

2.3 Open Export video and verify resolution, rate, and format:1280×720,30 fps,MP4 in this actual dialog.

California → San Francisco project: The actual export dialog:1280×720,30 fps,MP4. Confirm the settings and start export.

**Check: **The review copy confirms pacing and composition, and final settings match your use.

3. Start export and keep the tab open

Choose Export video, review the settings, and start. Frames are generated in the browser, so duration depends on video length, frame rate, resolution, device performance, and map loading. Keep the tab open and avoid competing heavy tasks.

3.1 After Start export, the progress area shows status and Cancel export. Keep the tab open; this is the actual initial generation state.

California → San Francisco project: actual progress just after starting. Wait for completion or cancel this job.

**Check: **Progress advances and the interface reports that the video is ready.

4. Download and play the actual file

Download the completed video and watch it end to end in a player. Check for black frames, missing map areas, abrupt endings, incorrect proportions, and obstructed labels. Distinguish the player background from blank areas inside the video; full-screen viewing can help.

4.1 When Export ready appears, choose Download video. This actual 15-second MP4 was downloaded and verified as 450 frames; review the whole file in a player.

California → San Francisco project: an actual15-second MP4 review using the free2D Light basemap, with the actual Download video link and free-plan notice.

**Check: **The downloaded file plays completely, with a correct opening, joins, and ending.

One detail to remember

Read export errors before retrying. Fix camera conflicts in the timeline and resolve network or map loading failures. Confirm recovery with a short clip before increasing resolution.

Make your own version

Replace the example with a city you know, finish a short sequence, and review it end to end. Make one clear story before adding more effects.

Open Studio and make your own version.

Original illustrated guide.

Visit Map Animation Studio to explore the editor and other video tutorials.

Compose 3D terrain and city shots

Map Animation Studio — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:37:30 +0000

Originally published in the Map Animation Studio guides. I work on Map Animation Studio. AI assistance was used to prepare this illustrated cross-post.

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Compose 3D terrain and city shots

Enable terrain or 3D buildings, then use pitch and orbit to reveal the subject clearly.

A 3D shot needs more than a tilted map. Everest needs a clear summit and surrounding ridges; the Empire State Building needs its body and spire in frame. Map data, zoom, and pitch all affect the result.

Watch the result

Mount Everest — Terrain · Play the finished example. The steps below teach a similar workflow, not an exact reconstruction of its settings. This map example has no narration.

Watch the finished map animation.

The actual Mount Everest Studio project: edit actions on the left, preview the map in the center, and arrange timing below. This is an example copy; blank projects do not show Change places.

1. Choose the right map effect

Open Map style and choose terrain or buildings under 3D enhancements. Use Terrain 3D for mountains and Buildings 3D for cities. This terrain example uses Flat map; switch to a non-terrain basemap for globe shots.

1.1 Scroll to 3D enhancements and select Terrain 3D. Buildings 3D beside it is for city buildings.

Mount Everest project: The 3D enhancements at the bottom of Map style. Terrain 3D is selected, beside Buildings 3D.

1.2 Confirm the projection in Map settings. This example uses Flat map; review its terrain and camera effect.

Mount Everest project: This terrain example uses Flat map in Map settings.

**Check: **Ridges show elevation, or buildings appear as three-dimensional volumes.

2. Locate the subject before adjusting pitch

Search for Everest or the building and verify its position. Begin with a moderate pitch, then adjust zoom. Buildings require a sufficiently close zoom and suitable map data; check both if they do not appear.

2.1 Verify Mount Everest in the action target and choose Place / close-up rather than an overly broad area.

Mount Everest project: The orbit targets Mount Everest using Place / close-up framing.

2.2 Open Tilt on the right. This example uses 58°; begin more gently and check that the summit stays in frame.

Mount Everest project: The tilt panel provides a pitch slider and Top-down view. This example is at 58°.

**Check: **The subject is in frame and its summit or roof is not clipped.

3. Reveal depth with a restrained orbit

Add an orbit around the same target. Start with a modest angle over roughly five seconds and watch the full result. A fast or excessive orbit can push a mountain or building out of frame.

3.1 Select Orbit and inspect rotation, zoom, and pitch. This example rotates 25° at zoom about 12.95.

Mount Everest project: The orbit rotates 25°, with zoom about 12.95 and pitch 58°. Adjust these for your own terrain.

3.2 Adjust orbit speed through its timing. This example starts at 4.5 seconds and lasts 5.5 seconds, ending at 10.

Mount Everest project: The orbit starts at 4.5 seconds and lasts 5.5 seconds, ending at 10 seconds.

**Check: **The subject remains visible at the beginning, middle, and end of the orbit.

4. Review loaded detail before exporting

Wait for map tiles and terrain detail to appear before judging sharpness. Review the entire move and final frame before export. Resolve blank areas, blurred patches, or loading errors instead of treating an unfinished preview as the final result.

4.1 Play the full sequence and inspect the ending: summit, marker, and terrain should stay clear throughout.

Mount Everest project: Review the actual terrain, summit position, and final composition after full playback.

**Check: **The subject is clear throughout the orbit, with time to inspect the ending.

One detail to remember

3D building coverage depends on local map data; detail varies by building. If a close-up looks coarse, zooming out can help more than moving closer.

Make your own version

Replace the example with a city you know, finish a short sequence, and review it end to end. Make one clear story before adding more effects.

Open Studio and make your own version.

Original illustrated guide.

Visit Map Animation Studio to explore the editor and other video tutorials.

Guide attention from a country to a city

Map Animation Studio — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:36:19 +0000

Originally published in the Map Animation Studio guides. I work on Map Animation Studio. AI assistance was used to prepare this illustrated cross-post.

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Guide attention from a country to a city

Establish an area, then focus on a place. Explain location with boundaries, fills, and labels.

Before introducing a city, establish the country or region around it. In the Norway–Oslo example, the country provides context before the camera arrives at the city and a label becomes the focus.

Watch the result

Norway → Oslo · Play the finished example. The steps below teach a similar workflow, not an exact reconstruction of its settings. This map example has no narration.

Watch the finished map animation.

The actual Norway → Oslo Studio project: edit actions on the left, preview the map in the center, and arrange timing below. This is an example copy; blank projects do not show Change places.

1. Choose a region boundary

Add a region highlight action, search for Norway, and verify the administrative area. Choose the intended boundary rather than a similarly named place. Wait for the geometry to load before assessing the extent.

1.1 Select Area highlight, search Norway, and verify the Norge result has an available administrative boundary.

Norway → Oslo project: Search Norway in the region target. The Norge result has an available administrative boundary.

**Check: **The highlight covers the intended country or region.

2. Keep map detail visible

Adjust the fill and outline so the region is clear while city names, coastlines, and roads remain visible. Lower fill opacity if it obscures detail, or choose a simpler map style for a busy background.

2.1 Adjust fill opacity and border width. The example uses 0.38 and 3 pixels; keep map labels and outlines readable.

Norway → Oslo project: The example uses fill opacity 0.38 and a 3-pixel border.

**Check: **Both the boundary and important basemap places are legible.

3. Hand attention over to the city

Add a camera move and geographic label for Oslo, revealing its name during arrival. Adjust the country highlight and city-label timing separately to keep attention clear.

3.1 Select the Oslo geographic label and edit its text, size, and color, rather than the country boundary action.

Norway → Oslo project: Text, size, and color for the Oslo geographic label, separate from the country boundary.

3.2 Check the city-label start time, around 10.62 seconds here, so it aligns with arrival.

Norway → Oslo project: The city label begins around 10.62 seconds; the timing fields control the handoff to the city.

**Check: **The region and city label do not overwhelm the frame together.

4. Review another format carefully

Finish and export one format, save your project, then change the aspect ratio. Review clipped boundaries, labels near edges, and overly tight city shots in the new format.

4.1 Choose landscape, portrait, or square in the format menu, then review boundaries and labels near the edges.

Norway → Oslo project: The format menu offers portrait, landscape, and square. Review framing after changing it.

**Check: **Both formats explain the location clearly throughout the sequence.

One detail to remember

Boundaries, markers, and geographic labels serve different purposes. Establish where first, then identify what, instead of revealing every element at once.

Make your own version

Replace the example with a city you know, finish a short sequence, and review it end to end. Make one clear story before adding more effects.

Open Studio and make your own version.

Original illustrated guide.

Visit Map Animation Studio to explore the editor and other video tutorials.

Sequence camera moves without conflicts

Map Animation Studio — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:35:09 +0000

Originally published in the Map Animation Studio guides. I work on Map Animation Studio. AI assistance was used to prepare this illustrated cross-post.

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Sequence camera moves without conflicts

Compose an opening, zoom, orbit, and hold by controlling start times, durations, and overlap.

A video does not need constant motion. Establish the location, approach the subject, and give viewers time to inspect it. Use the timeline to arrange this rhythm. The Grand Canyon example shows how camera movement can reveal terrain.

Watch the result

Grand Canyon — Terrain · Play the finished example. The steps below teach a similar workflow, not an exact reconstruction of its settings. This map example has no narration.

Watch the finished map animation.

The actual Grand Canyon Studio project: edit actions on the left, preview the map in the center, and arrange timing below. This is an example copy; blank projects do not show Change places.

1. Separate the initial view from timed actions

The initial view sets where the video begins and has no duration. Actions such as zoom, focus, pan, orbit, and hold occupy time. Confirm the opening composition before adding the first move.

1.1 Select Initial view at the left of the timeline. It defines the opening composition and has no duration.

Grand Canyon project: Selecting Initial view opens the opening properties; it has no duration.

**Check: **Both the opening composition and the first destination are intentional.

2. Sequence camera actions

Timing fields determine when actions occur. This example zooms and rotates together on different camera parameters. To sequence moves, start the next one when the previous one ends.

2.1 Select Zoom and edit its timing. This example runs 0–12 seconds; place a subsequent move at 12 seconds or later.

Grand Canyon project: Start, end, and duration for Zoom; the example zoom lasts 12 seconds.

**Check: **Start times and durations match your plan, with no camera-conflict warning.

3. Overlap visual elements intentionally

Markers and text can overlap a camera move, such as revealing a name during arrival. Zoom and rotation can combine; actions controlling the same camera parameter may conflict. Check the interface warning.

3.1 Inspect the place-highlight timing: it starts at 5.4 seconds for about 4.8 seconds, appearing during the camera move.

Grand Canyon project: The place highlight starts at 5.4 seconds for 4.8 seconds, overlapping camera motion.

**Check: **There is no camera conflict and labels are readable when they appear.

4. Inspect the joins

Scrub just before and after every action boundary, then play the whole sequence. Look for jumps, subjects leaving the frame, and unintended pauses. Lengthen rushed moves and add a hold to abrupt endings.

4.1 Choose Fit to show the full timeline, scrub along the ruler, and play the complete sequence.

Grand Canyon project: The fitted timeline and actual preview. Move the playhead along the ruler to review joins and final framing.

**Check: **Both the joins and the full sequence feel coherent, with a clear final subject.

One detail to remember

Reordering the action list and changing start times are different operations. Inspect the timeline after reordering rather than assuming every start time has changed.

Make your own version

Replace the example with a city you know, finish a short sequence, and review it end to end. Make one clear story before adding more effects.

Open Studio and make your own version.

Original illustrated guide.

Visit Map Animation Studio to explore the editor and other video tutorials.

Make your first map video in Studio

Map Animation Studio — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:31:48 +0000

Originally published in the Map Animation Studio guides. I work on Map Animation Studio. AI assistance was used to prepare this illustrated cross-post.

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Make your first map video in Studio

Use Japan → Tokyo to learn opening views, scenes, actions, and the timeline, then build a city introduction.

Watch the Japan → Tokyo example, then follow actual Studio screenshots. Start a blank project or choose Use this example on the homepage. The screenshots use a copy of that example, keep its existing actions, and append practice actions. Practice settings are not an exact reconstruction of the finished video.

Watch the result

Japan → Tokyo · Play the finished example. The steps below teach a similar workflow, not an exact reconstruction of its settings. This map example has no narration.

Watch the finished map animation.

The actual Japan → Tokyo Studio project: edit actions on the left, preview the map in the center, and arrange timing below. This is an example copy; blank projects do not show Change places.

1. Create a project and choose its format

Choose where the video will be published. The format changes the visible map area, so set it before composing camera moves.

1.1 Open the format menu in the toolbar and choose portrait 9:16, landscape 16:9, or square 1:1. This example uses portrait.

Japan → Tokyo project: The format menu: this project uses portrait 9:16; choose landscape or square for other publishing formats.

**Check: **The preview matches your intended publishing format.

2. Set the opening view

The initial view defines the opening composition and has no duration. Select, edit, and lock it in the following order before adding later camera moves.

2.1 Select Initial view at the far left of the timeline, then choose Custom in its properties.

Japan → Tokyo project: Selecting Initial view on the timeline opens its properties, including Standard and Custom framing.

2.2 Choose Edit framing, then pan and zoom the map to include Japan. While editing, the button reads Lock framing.

Japan → Tokyo project: Custom framing in edit mode: Lock framing is visible. Adjust the opening composition on the map.

2.3 Choose Lock framing when satisfied. The button returns to Edit framing, indicating that the opening composition is saved.

Japan → Tokyo project: After locking, the control returns to Edit framing and the custom opening composition is saved.

**Check: **Returning to the beginning shows your saved opening composition.

3. Add a city focus action

An Action is a camera move or visual effect. Add its type, select a real target, then set framing and timing. The picker demonstration is not your video destination.

3.1 Choose Add action below the scene action list, select Focus, and choose Add Focus.

Japan → Tokyo project: The actual Action picker. Its right-hand preview is a built-in demonstration; choose Tokyo as the target after adding the action.

3.2 Expand the action, choose Place / address, and search Tokyo or its local name. Verify Japan and choose the result.

Japan → Tokyo project: search Tokyo or its local name under Place / address, verify Japan, and select an available result.

3.3 After choosing the target, adjust Final zoom. Try 10, then use the preview to judge the city framing.

Japan → Tokyo project: Tokyo is selected and final zoom is set to 10. This is a practice value; adjust framing using the map preview.

3.4 Set the start time and duration. This screenshot appends a four-second action at 15 seconds; a blank project can start at zero. Avoid overlapping camera moves.

Japan → Tokyo project: Focus timing: this exercise appends an action to the existing example, starting at 15 seconds for 4 seconds and ending at 19 seconds.

**Check: **The move ends on Tokyo with room around the city.

4. Label the destination and let it breathe

After arrival, let viewers read the city name and inspect the view. A label identifies the place; a hold extends the ending.

4.1 Add or select Geographic label for Tokyo, enter its text, and adjust the font size. Reveal it as the camera approaches.

Japan → Tokyo project: Geographic-label appearance: text is 东京 (Tokyo), size is 32 pixels, with color and opacity controls above.

4.2 Open Add action again and choose Hold in the timeline group. Place it after the camera move and try one second.

Japan → Tokyo project: A hold after the camera move: the exercise starts it at 19 seconds for 1 second. A hold creates no new visual layer.

**Check: **The city name is readable and the ending does not cut off immediately.

One detail to remember

If the video starts in Tokyo, check whether you changed the initial view instead of the later camera destination. They control different points in the sequence.

Make your own version

Replace the example with a city you know, finish a short sequence, and review it end to end. Make one clear story before adding more effects.

Open Studio and make your own version.

Original illustrated guide.

Visit Map Animation Studio to explore the editor and other video tutorials.

Animate a route from London to Paris

Map Animation Studio — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:27:48 +0000

Originally published in the Map Animation Studio guides. I work on Map Animation Studio. AI assistance was used to prepare this illustrated cross-post.

Choose endpoints and a travel mode, then coordinate the path, transport marker, and camera.

A useful route animation makes the departure, journey, and arrival clear. The action picker contains illustrative previews; set your own endpoints in Properties after adding the action. Use the London–Paris example as a reference for framing and pacing.

Watch the result

London → Paris · Play the finished example. The steps below teach a similar workflow, not an exact reconstruction of its settings. This map example has no narration.

Watch the finished map animation.

The actual London → Paris Studio project: edit actions on the left, preview the map in the center, and arrange timing below. This is an example copy; blank projects do not show Change places.

1. Add a route action

Choose Travel along route in Add action. It controls the path and transport marker; configure camera following under Camera mode in its properties.

1.1 Choose Travel along route in the route group. Its built-in preview is illustrative; set London and Paris after adding.

London → Paris project: Select Travel along route. The built-in preview is illustrative; configure your endpoints after adding.

Check: The action appears in the scene and exposes route properties when selected.

2. Verify endpoints and the travel mode

Search for London and Paris separately and verify each country. Select an available travel mode that fits the story and wait for route generation. Resolve any route lookup error before treating the preview as a real itinerary.

2.1 Search and confirm each endpoint, then choose the mode. The screenshot shows Greater London → Paris with Car selected.

London → Paris project: The London and Paris endpoint fields and the selected car travel mode.

Check: The route connects the intended locations in the correct direction.

3. Frame the journey

Use a wider view to explain the whole journey, then a following camera for closer detail. Choose a path color, width, and transport marker that remain legible on the basemap. Fix overly distant framing before enlarging the marker.

3.1 Choose following or overview under Camera mode. The screenshot currently uses a fixed camera; avoid conflicts with existing camera actions.

London → Paris project: Camera mode and motion pacing. This example currently uses a fixed camera; choose a following mode when appropriate.

3.2 Adjust color, opacity, and width under Appearance, then review their contrast on the map.

London → Paris project: Route color, opacity, and width. Check their contrast in the map preview.

Check: The route and travel direction remain clear in a smaller preview.

4. Review departure and arrival

Try a six- to eight-second route action. Watch it from start to finish, checking that the marker departs from the start and reaches the destination. Hold for about a second before the next shot.

4.1 Open the timing fields. This example starts around 3.36 seconds for 8.64 seconds; review departure and arrival before changing the pace.

London → Paris project: Travel timing: starts around 3.36 seconds and lasts 8.64 seconds. These are the example settings, not mandatory values.

Check: Paris is visible at the end and the path does not disappear midway or play backward.

One detail to remember

Treat the result as a story visualization rather than live navigation. Check the generated path and travel mode carefully for international or sea crossings.

Make your own version

Replace the example with a city you know, finish a short sequence, and review it end to end. Make one clear story before adding more effects.

Open Studio and make your own route animation.

Original illustrated guide.

Visit Map Animation Studio to explore the editor and other video tutorials.