How to Create a Newsroom Map with PaintMyMap (Example: Israel & Iran Conflict)

Learn how to make professional newsroom-style maps in just a few minutes using PaintMyMap. In this tutorial, we walk through the process step by step, showing how to visualize breaking news events on a map. For the example, we use Israel and Iran to illustrate how drones and bombardment exchanges can be mapped clearly for viewers.

Whether you’re a journalist, student, or content creator, PaintMyMap makes it easy to create customized maps for reports, presentations, or news coverage.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Load the World Map

• Open PaintMyMap.com in your browser
• Go to File → Choose a map...
• Select World → World
• The map loads with all countries

2. Set Up Your Legend

• In the legend panel, create groups for different types of events (e.g., "Drone Strikes", "Bombardments", "Neutral")
• Click the color swatch for each group to choose colors:
  • Red for strikes or attacks
  • Blue for responses
  • Gray for neutral or unaffected areas

3. Paint the Regions

• Select the brush tool (B key)
• Choose a brush size (Single for precision)
• Click on countries or regions to assign them to legend groups:
  • Paint Israel and Iran with appropriate colors
  • Highlight borders or specific areas involved
  • Use the eraser (E key) if you make mistakes
• Tip: Use patterns for different intensities or types of exchanges

4. Customize and Polish

• Add a map title: "Israel-Iran Conflict Overview"
• Adjust the legend title and position
• Add labels for key locations or events
• Choose a projection like Mercator for standard newsroom view
• Toggle "Only Painted Areas" in Options if focusing on specific regions

5. Export Your Map

• Go to File → Export → PNG (or PDF for print)
• Your newsroom map downloads instantly
• Share on social media, embed in articles, or use in presentations

Pro Tips

• For real-time news, upload GeoJSON with event locations
• Use arrows or icons to show directions of strikes
• Add timestamps or dates in labels for breaking news
• Experiment with different color schemes for clarity

Why PaintMyMap for News Coverage?

• Fast: Create maps in minutes for breaking news
• Flexible: Supports any geographic data
• Professional: Export high-quality images for media
• Free: No account required, unlimited exports

Ready to create your own newsroom map? Start painting now →

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