Graduated Symbol Map Maker: Map Point Data With Custom Icons Online

The Graduated Symbol Map Maker lets you upload point data in CSV, GeoJSON, KML, or GPX format and instantly render it as a proportional or classified symbol map. Choose from over 130 icons, set your colour and size range, and download your data when you are done.

 

How to Use This Map

Getting Started

Click Load Sample to see the tool in action using US city population data. The map will zoom to fit your data automatically. Click any marker to see a popup with all data fields for that point.

Upload Your Data

The tool accepts four file formats:

• CSV – Any comma-separated file with latitude, longitude, and a numeric value column
• GeoJSON – Point features; all properties become available as selectable columns
• KML – Point placemarks including extended data attributes
• GPX – Waypoints with name, description, and elevation fields

Once loaded, use the Column Mapping dropdowns to assign which columns represent latitude, longitude, the value that controls symbol size, and an optional label shown in popups. The tool will auto-detect common column names.

Choose Your Symbol

Search or browse over 130 icons organised by category: shapes, location, buildings, transport, nature, food and drink, recreation, services, emergency, industry, and people. Click any icon to apply it to all markers instantly.

Style and Classification

The colour picker sets the symbol colour. The Min and Max size sliders control the range of symbol sizes across your data. Two classification methods are available:

• Proportional – Symbol size scales continuously with the data value. Every location gets a unique size.
• Graduated (classified) – Values are grouped into equal-interval classes (3 to 7). Each class gets a progressively darker shade of your chosen colour.

Download Your Data

Export your data in GeoJSON, CSV, KML, or GPX format using the Download section at the bottom of the panel.

What Is a Graduated Symbol Map?

A graduated symbol map uses the size of a symbol placed at each location to represent a quantitative value. Larger symbols indicate higher values. They are widely used for population data, economic indicators, environmental measurements, incident counts, and any dataset where a numeric value is attached to a geographic point.

Proportional symbols scale continuously, giving every data point a unique size proportional to its value. Graduated (classified) symbols group values into discrete classes using equal intervals, making broad patterns easier to read at a glance.

Supported File Formats

The tool reads and writes four standard geospatial formats so your data stays compatible with other GIS tools:

• CSV – The most common format for spreadsheet users. Any file with lat, lng, and value columns works.
• GeoJSON – The standard web mapping format, supported by QGIS, ArcGIS, Mapbox, and most GIS software.
• KML – Google Earth format, widely used for sharing location datasets.
• GPX – GPS Exchange Format, used by GPS devices, fitness apps, and route planners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What data do I need to create a graduated symbol map?

You need a dataset with at least three columns: latitude, longitude, and a numeric value. The numeric column controls symbol size. An optional label column adds a name to each popup. There is no minimum or maximum number of points required.

Can I use my own icons?

The tool uses Font Awesome 6 Free icons. The library covers most common mapping use cases including location pins, buildings, transport, nature, services, and emergency symbols. Custom icon upload is not currently supported.

Is my data uploaded to a server?

No. All data processing happens entirely in your browser. Your CSV, GeoJSON, KML, or GPX file is never sent to a server.

How many points can the map handle?

The tool renders markers client-side using Leaflet and works well with up to a few thousand points. Performance for very large datasets will depend on your device.

What is the difference between proportional and graduated symbols?

Proportional symbols scale continuously so every data point has a unique size. Graduated symbols divide values into classes using equal intervals, giving each class the same size and colour shade. Proportional maps are more precise; graduated maps are easier to read at a glance.

Can I share a link to my map?

The URL updates automatically as you pan and zoom, encoding the current position, colour, size range, and selected icon. Share the URL to give someone the same map view. They will need to re-upload the data file to see the markers.

[Continuar leyendo en Mapscaping](https://mapscaping.com/graduated-symbol-map-maker/) ### Contexto para la comunidad GIS Esta información es relevante para profesionales de geoprocesamiento, analistas espaciales y usuarios de herramientas como QGIS, ArcGIS y PostGIS.