Map select components
Use a map select component when a person needs to identify a location on a map. It is useful for reporting a place, identifying an area, or pinpointing a location where a full postal address is not the right answer.
Do not use a map as the only way to describe a location. People may not be able to pinpoint a place accurately, may use a keyboard or screen reader, or may need to describe an area rather than a point.
Make the location task explicit
Write a label that states exactly what should be selected, such as:
Select where the incident happenedMark the entrance you want to reportChoose the location of the damaged equipment
Use hint text to explain the expected precision: a building, road, local area, or exact point. Tell people what to do if they cannot find the location. Provide an alternative text-based description or contact route when the map cannot represent the answer they need to give.
flowchart TD
A[Ask for a location] --> B{Can a person select it accurately on a map?}
B -- Yes --> C[Use a map with optional place search]
B -- No --> D[Collect an address, locality or description instead]
C --> E[Show a readable review-page description]Choose the map provider and search behaviour
Select a map provider that serves the intended geography and operational requirements. If you enable the address or place search bar, test it with landmarks, roads, rural locations and places with duplicate names.
Search helps many people find a location faster, but it must not remove the ability to move the map and choose the correct point. Test both search and direct map selection.
Make review output meaningful
On a review page, select the location information a person can understand and check. A nearby place or clear address description is usually more useful than raw coordinates. Use coordinates only where the receiving system or user genuinely needs them.
Avoid exposing more precise location information than the service needs. Location data can be sensitive, particularly when combined with personal details.
Accessibility and testing
Before publishing, test:
- keyboard operation and focus movement;
- a place found through search and one selected directly on the map;
- a location that cannot be found by search;
- a dense urban area and a less detailed rural area;
- the review-page description; and
- any actions or integrations that use the stored location.
If the map component is required, provide clear error wording and an alternative support path for people unable to use the map.