🎯 How to Create a Simple Map Animation in After Effects

Ever wondered how those smooth, animated map routes are made in travel videos and documentaries? The good news is — you don’t need to be a motion graphics wizard to pull it off. In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through creating a clean, professional-looking map animation in Adobe After Effects using nothing more than built-in tools.

Whether you’re making a travel vlog, a corporate presentation, or a documentary, this method will give your project a dynamic, engaging touch.

🖌 Step 1 – Draw Your Map Route

1. Select the Pen Tool
   Open your map image or background in After Effects and choose the Pen Tool (G).

2. Plot Your Route Points
   Click to create your path between your start and end locations.
   Example: Jefferson City → Oklahoma City → Dallas.

3. Adjust Stroke Settings

   • Go to your Shape Layer

   • Open Contents → Shape → Stroke

   • Increase Stroke Width for visibility

   • Set Cap to Round Cap and Join to Round Join for smoother lines.

✨ Step 2 – Add Dashed Line Animation

1. Turn on Dashes
   Still under Stroke, enable Dashes and increase the count for a dotted effect.

2. Add Trim Paths

   • Click Add → Trim Paths

   • Open Trim Paths settings

   • Keyframe the End property from 0% to 100% over your desired animation time.

3. Preview Your Animation
   Hit Spacebar and watch your line draw itself along the route.

➕ Step 3 – Smooth It Out with Rounded Corners

To make the animation look even cleaner:

• Go to Add → Rounded Corners

• Increase the Radius to soften any sharp turns along your path.

This small touch adds a polished, professional feel — perfect for keeping your animation visually appealing.

💡 Pro Tips for Better Map Animations

• Match Stroke Color to Your Theme – Use brand colors or contrasting hues so your route stands out.

• Add a Moving Dot or Icon – Place a small circle or travel icon at the Trim Paths head to simulate movement.

• Overlay on a Subtle Map Texture – Gives your animation a cinematic, documentary-style feel.

• Use Easy Ease Keyframes – Smoothens the start and end motion for a natural drawing effect.

📦 Boost Your Projects with Ready-Made Assets

Why start from scratch every time? At Filmit.io, we offer professional After Effects templates, sound effects, and digital creator tools to speed up your workflow and make your videos stand out.

🚀 Final Thoughts

Creating a map route animation in After Effects is quicker and easier than most people think — and with a few extra tweaks like rounded corners and dashes, you can make your animation look like it came from a high-end production.

🎬 Now it’s your turn:
Fire up After Effects, follow the steps above, and bring your maps to life.
And if you want premium templates and motion assets to supercharge your editing, grab them today at Filmit.io.