3D Models

Three-dimensional objects placed on the map to represent real-world furniture, fixtures, and installations.

3D models let you place realistic, three-dimensional objects on your map — furniture, workstations, kiosks, plants, branded installations, and more. They're most effective when used to represent physical objects that users would recognise in real life, helping the map feel like a true reflection of the space.

3D models are uploaded and managed through the Media Library and applied to locations through their Display Rule settings.

Note: 3D models require the Mapbox map provider and must be enabled for your solution. Contact your MapsPeople representative to get started.

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Supported format

3D models must be uploaded as .glb files. This is a compact, web-friendly 3D format supported by most 3D modelling software.

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Setting a preview image

After uploading a .glb file, you'll be prompted to set a preview image. This opens a small viewport where you can position and rotate the model to capture the angle that best represents it. The image you set here appears as the file's thumbnail in the Media Library and wherever the model is referenced in the CMS.

Use the controls to move and rotate the model, zoom the viewport, or type in specific rotation values. You can reset the camera, rotation, or position to defaults at any point.

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Keeping models performant

3D models have a bigger impact on map performance than icons or 2D images, especially on mobile or older devices. A few habits make a significant difference:

Use low-polygon models. The fewer vertices a model has, the faster it renders. Simplify your geometry as much as possible while keeping the model recognisable. A well-made workstation model can look great at around 1,300 vertices and under 50 KB.

Keep file sizes small. Aim for 25–100 KB per model. Going higher is possible, but expect longer load times — particularly if many 3D models appear on the map at once.

Reuse models wherever you can. If you have 40 identical desks, use the same model for all of them. There's no need to upload separate files for objects that look the same.

Use 3D models selectively. Not every location needs one. Reserve them for objects where the 3D representation adds genuine value — a recognisable landmark, a branded piece of furniture, or a feature users need to identify quickly.

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Exporting from Blender

If you're creating models in Blender, two things matter for compatibility with Mapbox:

Use the Principled BSDF shader for all materials. Other shader types may not display correctly on the map.

Do not use compression when exporting your .glb — neither Blender's built-in compression nor any third-party compression tools. Compressed models are incompatible with Mapbox and will not render.

Leave all other export settings at their defaults unless you have a specific reason to change them.