Share a Map Privately with Unlisted Links
Share Links: How Live Sharing Works
TrailNote can create an unlisted share link for a project. Anyone with the link can view the shared map, so share links are best for review, trip coordination, and lightweight collaboration.
For the higher-level workflow, see Trail Map Sharing and Map Project Collaboration.
When to use this guide
Use a share link when another person needs to view your map in a browser without receiving a GPX file.
Good use cases:
- Asking a friend to review a weekend hike
- Sending a route plan to a travel partner
- Sharing a map with a client or teammate
- Letting someone check logistics before you finalize
- Showing a live plan that may still change
Before you share
Review the project for private or sensitive information. Maps can reveal home locations, travel dates, campsites, or private notes.
Check:
- Marker names and descriptions
- Images attached to markers
- Routes that reveal sensitive routines
- Hidden or draft information that should not be visible
- Whether the recipient should only view, not edit
What "live" means
A share link reflects the current state of the project. If you update routes, markers, labels, polygons, or notes after sharing, viewers can see the updated version.
This is helpful for active planning, but it also means you should revoke the link if the audience changes.
Step-by-step
1. Clean up the map view
Before sharing, make the project readable. Rename unclear items, organize folders, and hide or remove clutter that would confuse the viewer.
2. Create the share link
Open the project sharing controls and create an unlisted link. Copy the link when TrailNote generates it.
3. Send context with the link
Do not send only the URL if the reviewer needs to make a decision. Add a short note such as:
"Please check whether the Day 2 route looks realistic and whether the water markers are enough."
4. Update the project as feedback arrives
Because the link is live, you can adjust the plan without generating a new link every time.
5. Revoke the link when needed
If the link was sent to the wrong person, posted publicly, or no longer needed, revoke it. A revoked link should no longer provide access to the shared map.
What viewers can expect
Viewers can open the shared map in a browser. They do not need an account just to view an unlisted share link. Shared projects are intended for viewing, so editing controls may not be available to viewers.
Common issues
The viewer says the map is blank. The project may be empty, the link may be revoked, or the viewer may be looking at an area with no visible items.
I updated the project but the reviewer is confused. Send a short explanation of what changed. Live sharing updates the map, but it does not explain your intent.
I accidentally shared sensitive data. Revoke the link, remove the sensitive content, and create a new link only if needed.
I need a file for a GPS device. Export GPX instead. Share links are for browser viewing.