Overview

Map search: one place, layers and optional weather

Map search is the interactive workspace where autocomplete resolves addresses and places, the map recenters, and you can switch basemap styles or toggle broad weather overlays for context. It pairs the same geocoding stack used across WorldMaps3D with a Mapbox GL map you control in the browser.

  • Search by address, landmark or coordinates; suggestions update as you type.
  • Basemap presets include satellite, streets, dark and outdoors without leaving the page.
  • Optional wind, radar-style, cloud and precipitation layers are for situational awareness only.
  • Jump to directions from a found place with the in-panel “To here” / “From here” shortcuts.
Map search
Layers & overlays
GeocodeMapboxContext
Capabilities

What you can do on this screen

Four practical reasons travelers keep Map search open next to a route planner.

Fast place lookup

Resolve fuzzy text to a point on the map; refine with city or country if the first hit is wrong.

Readable basemaps

Switch between satellite and vector styles to match daylight, dashboards or outdoor planning.

Weather context

Turn overlays on briefly to compare patterns with your trip timing—not a replacement for official forecasts.

Hand off to directions

Use the directions bar to send the current place into the A/B route planner without retyping.

Map search vs Find Map: what’s the difference?
Find Map is the landing flow for typed queries and coordinates. Map search is the full-screen interactive map where you switch basemaps and toggle optional overlays after the place is resolved.
Can I switch between satellite, streets, and dark without losing my place?
Yes. Use the layer controls to change basemap styles while staying centered on the same location.
Are the weather overlays official forecasts or warnings?
No. Overlays are third-party visualizations for broad context. For safety-critical decisions, follow official warnings from your local weather authority.
Why does an address sometimes snap to a nearby point?
Geocoding returns the best-known point it can resolve. Add city/ZIP/country context, use a nearby landmark, or paste verified coordinates from Location Maps.
How do I share a map view with someone else?
After searching, copy the URL in the address bar. It preserves your query and map state where the app supports it.
Reference

How Map search fits into WorldMaps3D

Geocoding follows the same OSM Nominatim-style pipeline as Find and Directions. The basemap and overlays use Mapbox GL and partner tile endpoints documented in our About page. This interface is a planning aid in the browser, not certified navigation, aviation or marine equipment.

Accuracy and ads

Labels, boundaries and business listings can lag reality. Advertisements are labeled separately from map pixels. Always verify access, gates and one-way rules on the ground or with the property operator when it matters.

Pairing with radar and 3D

For animated precipitation use Radar Maps; for skyline and elevation context use 3D Maps. Each tool keeps a narrow job so pages stay fast to load and easy to explain.

Map search

Search once. Layer, inspect, then route.

Move from a pin to driving directions or satellite detail without retyping the address.

Open Find Map or open Satellite →