Maps
In XWiki, the Map Macro is best for embedding simple, single-point location markers into a single page Map Macro - Extensions Wiki (XWiki.org), while the Interactive Maps Application is a full suite designed to manage vast databases of locations with custom shapes and filters Interactive Maps Application (Proposal.MapApplication) - XWiki.
A direct breakdown of how they compare can help you choose the right tool for your specific wiki goals:
Map Macro
The Map Macro is a straightforward rendering tool primarily meant to display a specific geographical spot or event location directly inside a page's content Map Macro - XWiki.
- Scope: Single-point focus per macro instance Map Macro - Extensions Wiki (XWiki.org).
- Use Case: Good for adding a corporate office address or a specific meeting place inside a standard text document Essential XWiki Apps for Professional Wikis.
- Backend: Connects directly to external tile servers like OpenStreetMap or Google Maps Map Macro - XWiki. [1, 2]
Interactive Maps Application
The Interactive Maps Application is a comprehensive, feature-rich database tool that turns your wiki pages into a fully functional geographic information system Interactive Maps Application - XWiki - GSoC '19 - gist/GitHub. [3]
- Scope: Multi-point, global datasets. You can draw paths, shapes, and polygons Interactive Maps Application (Proposal.MapApplication) - XWiki.
- Data Integration: Associates structured wiki data and XObjects with map elements Interactive Maps Application (Proposal.MapApplication) - XWiki, allowing users to click a node and read attached wiki documents, images, or videos.
- Use Case: Ideal for building searchable directories, multi-site project tracking, or interactive visual indices Interactive Maps Application - XWiki - GSoC '19 - gist/GitHub. [4, 5]
Summary of Differences
| Feature | Map Macro | Interactive Maps Application |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Low (plug-and-play for a single address) | High (requires data sets, layers, and XClass config) |
| Data Handling | Only displays latitude/longitude text | Links spatial data directly to Wiki pages |
| Customization | Basic sizing and tile server selection | Advanced (custom node icons, visual themes, filters) |
If you're trying to figure out which one to install, tell me:
- What kind of data are you trying to display (e.g., specific event locations vs. a database of regions/branches)?
- Do you want users to be able to filter and search the map?
I can help clarify exactly which extension to download from the XWiki Extension Manager!
[1] https://solo.cloud.xwiki.com
[2] https://github.com
[3] https://gist.github.com
[4] https://forum.xwiki.org
[5] https://www.youtube.com