Interactive map for a research platform
We updated an interactive map used by an international research organization to display projects and resources worldwide. The work focused on three parts of the experience: understanding the data on screen, navigating the map and exporting information for further use.
We redesigned the data summary, corrected marker placement, improved performance and reworked the export package. The existing tool remained in place, with targeted changes to the features researchers relied on.
As a result, we delivered a clear and reliable solution that seamlessly integrates into the organization’s digital ecosystem.
About client
The client is an international organization working in research and biotechnology. It brings together projects and resources across multiple countries and provides scientists and partners with access to information through an online portal.
The interactive map is part of that portal. It gives users a geographical overview of the organization’s research activity and access to the underlying data.
About project
The map already contained the information it needed to serve its purpose, but several parts of the interface made that information difficult to use. Some markers appeared in incorrect positions, the summary was crowded, and export controls were hard to find. Larger datasets also slowed the tool down.
The task was to improve the existing map while retaining its data and functionality. We focused on the points where users needed to interpret a figure, locate a resource or take information out of the portal.
Request
The client wanted clearer data presentation, consistent map behavior and a more straightforward export process. Performance also needed attention so that larger datasets would not make the interface cumbersome.
These improvements had to fit into the existing portal and preserve the map’s role in researchers’ daily work.
Tools
WordPress (ACF) and React were used for content management and interactive components, including the map and search functionality. Google Maps API and Algolia were integrated to enable geolocation and fast, accurate search.
What we did
We reviewed the interface, marker behavior and export flow to identify which parts needed to change. The implementation covered both the presentation of information and the logic behind loading and displaying it.
Redesigning the data summary
We reorganized the summary so users could read the main figures without working through a dense table layout. The revised presentation highlighted expected samples, completed samples and the number of unique locations involved.
This gave each metric a distinct place in the interface and made the summary easier to scan alongside the map.
Correcting marker placement and sizing
We revised the placement logic to position country markers at the geographical center of each country. We also removed dynamic marker scaling and introduced a consistent pin size.
The changes addressed two separate issues: where markers appeared and how they were displayed. Their position and size now followed a consistent rule across the map.
Improving performance
We used load testing to investigate how the map handled larger datasets and identify bottlenecks in processing the points.
We then optimized the data handling logic and introduced caching to reduce repeated processing. This work addressed the delays that became more noticeable as the volume of displayed information increased.
Making exports easier to use
We revised the export controls and packaged the download as a ZIP archive containing two files:
- A CSV file with the exported data.
- A README explaining the contents and how to use them.
The explanation now travels with the dataset. Users can refer to it after downloading the files, without having to return to the map for that context.
Result
The updated map presents its summary figures more clearly, uses consistent marker placement and sizing, and provides data exports with accompanying documentation. Changes to data processing and caching also improved its handling of larger datasets.
Researchers can review the main figures, explore the geographical distribution of projects and download data with an explanation of its contents. The organization retains its existing map and portal, with the interface and technical improvements incorporated into the tool.
These improvements increased user trust and expanded adoption of the tool. The map is now actively used not only in daily research workflows but also in presentations and publications.