What is a static map API?
Updated Nov 5, 2026
A static map API turns a URL into a map image: no JavaScript, no map library, nothing to load in the browser but a PNG, JPG or WebP.
<img src="https://api.pinsharing.com/v1/static?center=41.6843,-88.3512&zoom=14&size=600x300&scale=2&markers=41.6843,-88.3512&key=YOUR_KEY">When a static map beats an interactive one
- Lists and cards: fifty listing cards with fifty interactive maps would crawl; fifty images don't.
- Emails and PDFs: there's no JavaScript there at all.
- Social previews and receipts: anywhere an image goes.
- Speed: one small image instead of a library plus a dozen tiles.
Switch to an interactive map (Leaflet or MapLibre) when people need to pan, zoom or click.
The parameters that matter
| Parameter | What it does |
|---|---|
center, zoom | Where and how close. Leave them out to fit the view to your markers, path or area. |
size, scale | Pixels, up to 1280×1280; scale=2 for sharp images on phones. |
markers | Up to 25 pins: lat,lng|lat,lng. |
path | A line of up to 200 points, for routes and boundaries. |
area | Privacy area mode: an approximate circle instead of a pin. |
style, format | light, dark, white or grayscale; PNG, JPG or WebP. |
Cache it, if you're allowed to
A static image never changes for the same URL, so the cheapest request is the one you don't make. Store the image when you create the listing or email and serve your copy. Check the provider's terms first: some restrict caching their map content or using static images in place of their API. PinSharing's paid plans allow storing images indefinitely.
Make one now with the free static map maker.
Questions
Is a static map API free?
Most have a free allowance. PinSharing's Free plan includes 100 images a month with a small mark, and new accounts get Growth's limits for 14 days.
Can I use a static map in an email?
Yes. That's one of the main uses, because email clients don't run JavaScript. Store the image and link to your copy.
Try it on your own addresses
Free key in under a minute, no card. New accounts get Growth's limits free for 14 days.
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