Snapchat’s Snap Map enhanced with ‘Layers’ visualizations

Snapchat on Wednesday received an updated Snap Map that brings a feature called Layers to superimpose content and information about different locations. The ultimate aim of bringing Layers to Snap Map is to increase partnerships on Snapchat by showing partner content on a virtual map. But in the meantime, Snapchat parent Snap introduces Explore and Memories as two early experiences for the feature where you’ll see both public and personal content based on their location.

As first announced At the Snap Partner Summit 2021 in May, Snapchat Snap has begun showing layers for overlaying content and information on the map. Snap partnered with restaurant recommendation platform, the infatuation for restaurant and ticket delivery company Ticketmaster Entertainment to show concerts as layers. But those partnerships have not come on Snapchat yet.

Meanwhile, Snapchat has added Explore where you’ll see photos and videos submitted from Snapchatters around the world. crack says the new offering is built on an existing heat map and aims to make it easier for the community to experience other places through content submitted by other users.

When the Explore layer is on, you’ll see large icons of popular places on the map, as well as the content Snapchatters share in those places. It’s an upgrade to the existing heat map where you see popular places and the ability to tap on the map to view stories shared at those locations.

Along with Explore, Snapchat’s Maps now has Memories where you’ll see photos and videos you’ve captured at a particular location. It will show your own memories virtually in the places where they were recorded.

Snapchat has a memory layer so you can explore your memorable moments on a map
photo credit: snap

You can experience layers on Snapchat by going to the Snap Map tab, available next to the Chat icon on the bottom bar. Once you’re on the Maps screen, you can tap the blue globe from the right to explore. You can also explore your memorable moments by tapping on the Memories icon available just above the Explore button.