---
title: "Display Real-Time Data on a Map in 6 Easy Steps with Mapify"
canonical: "https://www.city-platform.com/blog/display-real-time-data-map-mapify/"
locale: en
type: blog
updated_at: "2026-11-12T10:53:53.924Z"
---

# Display Real-Time Data on a Map in 6 Easy Steps with Mapify

Access to real-time information is becoming increasingly important for efficient urban management. From tracking public transport and monitoring environmental sensors to checking parking availability or electric vehicle charging stations, there are many situations where displaying data on a map can support better decision-making.

However, turning data from different systems into geographical applications can require technical knowledge and complex development processes.

With **Mapify, a technology solution integrated into City as a Platform**, organisations can retrieve information from external sources, process it, and display it on an interactive map without complex programming.

In this article, we explain how to create a geographical visualisation application in six steps, using real-world data about train locations in Finland.

## A Practical Example: Tracking Trains in Finland

To demonstrate these capabilities, we will use information provided by [Digitraffic](https://www.digitraffic.fi/en/), a Finnish open data platform for transport and mobility.

Digitraffic provides data access interfaces, known as APIs, that allow applications to retrieve information about different transport systems.

In this example, we use train location data to create an interactive map that displays vehicle positions and follows their regular updates.

The goal is to demonstrate how information from an external system can be transformed into a geographical application through six straightforward steps.

Beyond Digitraffic, there are many other platforms providing open data on mobility, the environment, infrastructure, and other areas relevant to municipal management. If you're looking for data sources to develop similar applications, explore our article on the [Top 5 Open Data Repositories for Smarter Cities](https://www.city-platform.com/blog/open-data-repositories-smart-cities/ "Top 5 Open Data Repositories for Smarter Cities"), where we highlight resources that can help turn existing data into innovative digital solutions.

## 1\. Create a Dataset to Store the Data

The first step is to create a _Dataset_ to store the incoming information.

In this example, the dataset holds the latest position of each train, along with the attributes needed to identify the vehicles.

One of the fields used is the train number (_train\_number_), which serves as a unique identifier.

This ensures that when new coordinates are received, the information can be associated with the corresponding train.

The dataset provides the structure needed to organise information before displaying it on a map.

![Mapify interface showing the configuration of a dataset for real-time train monitoring, including attributes such as speed, departure date, geographical location, and train identification number.](https://storage.googleapis.com/fbc-mkt-assets/caap/blog-posts/display-real-time-data-map-mapify/1794479828819-7215aa6f-444c-4dc6-81ad-81094f4d4523.webp)

## 2\. Configure Automatic Data Collection

Once the dataset has been created, the next step is to connect to the external data source.

Mapify allows users to configure a mechanism called a _Data Feed_, which automatically retrieves the latest information from an API.

In the Finnish train example, the connection was configured to retrieve new locations **every 30 seconds**.

This frequency can be adjusted according to the application's requirements and the conditions of access to the data source.

Mapify can also analyse a sample API response and automatically generate the structure of the incoming data, simplifying the initial configuration.

This removes the need to manually update information whenever train positions change.

![Mapify interface showing the configuration of a Data Feed to automatically retrieve real-time train location data in Finland through the Digitraffic API, with updates every 30 seconds.](https://storage.googleapis.com/fbc-mkt-assets/caap/blog-posts/display-real-time-data-map-mapify/1794479844255-6a456994-a837-4f79-8045-e218a4e022ab.webp)

## 3\. Process and Store Incoming Data

After retrieving the information, the next step is to define how it should be processed and stored.

In Mapify, this is achieved through _Workflows_, which allow users to visually configure sequences of operations.

In this example, the workflow receives information from the Data Feed and updates the previously created dataset.

To achieve this, incoming API fields are mapped to their corresponding dataset fields.

Whenever new information is received, train locations are processed and stored, making them available for map visualisation.

This approach automates data integration tasks without requiring a custom application to be developed from scratch.

![Mapify interface showing a Workflow that automatically processes train location data in Finland, connecting the data source to a dataset for real-time monitoring.](https://storage.googleapis.com/fbc-mkt-assets/caap/blog-posts/display-real-time-data-map-mapify/1794479874103-b0ce11a4-f32a-43c8-8873-3aa2ccedc5b1.webp)

## 4\. Create a Real-Time Data Layer

With the data organised, the next step is to display it geographically.

Mapify allows users to create a data layer, or _Layer_, connected to the train location dataset.

This layer displays the vehicles on a map and reflects changes whenever new locations are received.

Visual elements can also be customised using symbols, colours, and styling rules to make the information easier to interpret.

In the original example, a train icon was used to represent each vehicle, making it easier to identify trains moving across the network.

![Interactive map created with Mapify, a City as a Platform solution, displaying train locations across Finland using geographical markers for real-time monitoring.](https://storage.googleapis.com/fbc-mkt-assets/caap/blog-posts/display-real-time-data-map-mapify/1794479922093-a9d6892b-4ce3-467d-87f9-01417b7d3950.webp)

## 5\. Create a Map with Multiple Data Layers

Once the train location layer has been created, it can be combined with other geographical information.

In the original demonstration, two additional layers were added: the railway network and train stations.

These datasets were imported using geographical file formats, including Shapefile and GeoJSON.

By bringing the three layers together, the map displays not only train locations but also the geographical context in which they operate.

Mapify enables users to define the order in which layers appear and automatically provides a map legend and navigation controls.

This ability to combine different information sources is particularly valuable for municipalities, which often need to visualise data from multiple departments and services on a single map.

![Web application developed with Mapify, a City as a Platform solution, displaying real-time train locations across Finland, including the railway network, stations, and detailed information about each train.](https://storage.googleapis.com/fbc-mkt-assets/caap/blog-posts/display-real-time-data-map-mapify/1794480331008-2928ecf0-10ee-48b6-a892-14457366dab3.webp)

## 6\. Create and Share a Web Application

The final step is to turn the map into a web application that can be accessed by different users.

Using Mapify's visual tools, users can customise the application's appearance and select the features that will be available.

![Mapify interface showing a preview of an interactive map of Finland's railway network, including train locations, stations, and railway lines organised into different geographical data layers.](https://storage.googleapis.com/fbc-mkt-assets/caap/blog-posts/display-real-time-data-map-mapify/1794480313352-0d5d8980-8da7-4cde-8c38-c76253d55b69.webp)

Once configured, the application can be shared through a link or embedded in a website.

Access and sharing settings can also be configured, including public or private availability and restrictions on authorised domains.

The result is an interactive application that allows users to monitor train locations on a map without developing and hosting a custom application from scratch.

[YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOZsd4FIW3k)

## How Can This Technology Support Municipal Management?

Although this demonstration uses railway data from Finland, the capabilities presented can be applied to different municipal management challenges.

Real-time geographical visualisation makes it possible to monitor information related to public transport, shared mobility, municipal equipment, environmental sensors, and urban infrastructure.

City as a Platform, a territorial intelligence platform developed by Focus BC, enables municipalities to integrate data from multiple sources and make it available through maps, monitoring dashboards, and applications tailored to their needs.

Through solutions such as [Mapify](https://www.city-platform.com/solutions/mapify/ "Mapify") and [AppBuilder](https://www.city-platform.com/solutions/app-builder/), municipalities can create map-based applications, combine different information layers, and make data easier to access for municipal teams, decision-makers, and citizens.

This approach helps reduce information fragmentation and makes existing data more accessible and useful for municipal services.

More than simply displaying information on a map, the goal is to transform data into actionable insights that support territorial monitoring and faster, more informed decisions.

## Frequently asked questions

### How can real-time data be displayed on a map?

Data from sensors, external systems, or APIs can be integrated and represented through geographical data layers. With Mapify, a City as a Platform solution, this information can be retrieved and updated automatically, allowing users to monitor changes in real time through interactive maps.

### Do you need coding skills to create real-time maps?

Not necessarily. Mapify provides visual tools for configuring data collection, automated updates, and geographical visualisation without complex programming. Some integrations may still require technical support during initial setup.

### What types of data can be displayed on interactive maps?

Interactive maps can display different types of geographical information, including public transport locations, environmental sensors, municipal facilities, parking spaces, and shared vehicles, provided the relevant data is available and can be integrated.

### How can City as a Platform help municipalities use real-time data?

City as a Platform enables municipalities to integrate information from different systems and make it available through maps, applications, and monitoring dashboards. These capabilities help local authorities monitor operations, share information between departments, and make more informed decisions.