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How to split a large map into submaps

Create a single map that links to other maps, to help you work around map limits.

Updated over 3 weeks ago

If your map is getting too big (for example, over 1,000 spots) or you want to better organize your content, you can split it across several PamPam maps and link them together.

You can do this manually by adding spots and links one by one, but the easiest way is to use Google Sheets to organize your data and import everything more efficiently.


How do linked maps work?

Each map you create can contain links to other PamPam maps. This is useful if you want to group content by region, category, or any other type of organization. A link to another map, is just another "spot" in PamPam, set to display type "Link".

For this tutorial, here's an example of the map we will be making:
👉 World Heritage Sites Map


Step 1: Organize your information in Google Sheets

Create a single Google Sheet with one tab for each sub-map. For example:

  • World Heritage Sites in Europe

  • World Heritage Sites in Asia

  • World Heritage Sites in the Americas

  • World Heritage Sites in Africa

  • World Heritage Sites in Oceania

Each tab will become its own PamPam map.

Make sure each tab includes the following columns:

  • Title (required)

  • Address (required — so it places the spot on the map)

  • You can also include columns like Section, Description, or any custom field you want

Tip:
Add a row at the bottom or top of each tab with the title: Back to main map — you’ll use this to link back to your main map later.


Step 2: Create each regional map

  1. Copy the link to your Google Sheet

  2. Log into PamPam and click “Make a Map”

  3. Click “Add” → “Import from Google Sheets”

  4. Paste your Google Sheets link and click “Next”

  5. Make sure the first tab is the tab you want to import! It will only import the very first tab.

  6. Make sure your columns are mapped correctly and click “Set Mapping”

  7. Adjust and customize your map as needed

  8. Click “Share” to copy the map link

Repeat this process for each tab (each region or category you want to map).


Step 3: Link the maps together

Option 1: Manually in PamPam

  1. Create a new map to act as your main map

  2. In your new map, click “Add” → “Add Link”

  3. Paste the link to one of the maps you created

  4. Repeat for all your maps

Option 2: In your spreadsheet

  1. Create a tab with a row for every map that you created

  2. Add a row called "Display"

  3. For every row aill it in with "Link"

  4. Follow the import steps to import that tab into your main map

You’ll now have one map that links to several smaller maps — like a table of contents.


Step 4: Add navigation back to the main map (Optional)

Option 1: In your spreadsheet

In each tab (that corresponds to each map), include a row:

  • Title: Back to main map

  • Link: Paste the URL of your main map

  • Address: Leave blank

Re-import the sheet into PamPam and the link will show up.

Option 2: Manually in PamPam

  1. Open a regional map

  2. Click “Add” → “Add Link” and paste the main map’s link

  3. On your main map, click “Add” → “Add Section”

  4. Name the section something like “Back to Main Map”

  5. Drag the link into this section to keep it organized

  6. Repeat for each map


F.A.Qs

Can I embed my main map?

Yes, it's just like any other map. If you do that, we recommend adding the navigation to easily navigate back to the main map.

Will I see all the spots from all my maps on my main map?

No, your maps still have the limits from your plans. All you will see is the links to the other maps, think of it like a directory.

I'm about to hit my spot limit on my plan, is this a solution?

Yes! If you're nearing your spot limit per map, then we recommend this approach. You can export your current map as CSV, by going to your map, going to edit mode and clicking "Download as CSV". From there you can add it to Google Sheets and decide how you want to separate out your submaps.

What do you recommend for splitting out my main map?

Common ways to split out your maps are: geographically or by industry or role.

I think I'll hit the spot limit soon, should I use this approach from the beginning?

Yes! If you plan to have a lot of spots, then we recommend thinking about how you will divide your map into submaps from the beginning.

Can't I just share out my profile and get the same effect?

Yes, pretty much! But on your profile, your name will appear. We recommend this approach if you want something more flexible and custom. But if you're just sharing guides and maps casually, then sharing your profile is fine.

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