# Creating a new map

## Map Generation

To generate maps follow these steps on the Maps tab:

{% hint style="info" %}
You can expect the map generation to take \~1 hour per 1000 km<sup>2</sup>. The completed maps take up \~1GB per 200 km<sup>2</sup> so downloading a large map may take a long time over a slow internet connection.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Generating a new map

Click the **NEW MAP** button at the bottom of your Map Panel, then navigate to your desired flight area. You can do this by entering either the name of your location or the WGS84 coordinates in the search bar. Hit *enter* and the map will pan to your location.

<figure><img src="/files/PC9TkLCaePuLPyYBc677" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Create your map boundary

Draw the polygonal map boundary around your flight area. Ensure the boundary covers the entire flight area for your mission, as your system cannot localize outside of the map. Add a distinct name for your map in the field provided.

<figure><img src="/files/H1j87XI2INfKPmeA8gK6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Your selected area size must be between 50 and 50,000 km**<sup>**2**</sup>**.** Newly generated maps cover the entire selected area. If using maps from before Nov 19th, 2025, make sure that the boundaries of your autonomous mission include at least 2 km of padding to the edges of the selected map area.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Generating your map

Once you've selected your map area and added a name, click the **GENERATE** button on the left of the screen. The map will begin generating in the background. This process may take a few hours, so it is best to generate maps well before flying.

## What happens under the hood?

Theseus queries its satellite map provider for imagery over the area you selected. Theseus' map matching technology is invariant to seasonal and landscape changes in the imagery. We employ commercial-grade satellite imagery with medium resolution.

## Large & Non-rectangular maps

Theseus now supports generating maps larger than 2000 km<sup>2</sup> as well as maps that fit any desired shape. You can generate a precise map to fit a mission, or select a large area if you plan on mostly flying many routes in the same area.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


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