> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nikaplanet.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Publish a Map (with Access Control) > Learn how to publish your map with team-only, public or password-protected access, including thumbnail generation and collaboration features Learn how to publish your NikaMap for team-only, public, or password-protected sharing. You can publish maps with different names, generate thumbnails using AI, and control access settings. ## Step 1: Access Publish Options ### Method 1: Right-Click on Map List 1. **Open Map List**: Navigate to your maps in the left panel 2. **Right-click Map**: Right-click on the map you want to publish 3. **Select "Publish"**: Choose the publish option from the context menu Right-click to Publish ### Method 2: Publish Button in Map 1. **Open Your Map**: Open the map you want to publish 2. **Find Publish Button**: Look for the publish button in the top-right toolbar 3. **Click Publish**: Click the publish button to open the publish dialog ## Step 2: Fill in Compulsory Fields ### Required Information (marked with asterisk \*) 1. **Title**\*: Enter a descriptive name for your published map 2. **Version**\*: Specify the version number (e.g., "1.0.0") 3. **Category**\*: Add at least one category by clicking "+ Add Category" ### Optional Information * **Description**: Add a detailed description of the map content (optional) * **Tags**: Add relevant tags for categorization (optional) ### Thumbnail Options You have three options for creating a thumbnail: #### Option 1: URL * Enter an image URL in the "Image URL" field #### Option 2: Upload * Click "Upload" and select an image file from your computer #### Option 3: AI Generate (Recommended if no thumbnail) * Click "AI Generate" with the sparkle icon * AI will automatically create a relevant thumbnail based on your map content ### Access Control Settings * **Public**: Anyone from public can discover and access the map. All public content can be found at [Nika Hub](https://planet.nika.eco/en/hub) * **Password Protected**: Anyone with the link can access with password. Share the link and password with specific users * **Restricted (Team Only)**: Only people from your organization can discover and access. All team published content can be found at [Team Hub](https://planet.nika.eco/en/dashboard/team-hub) if you are already signed in Publish Dialog with Required Fields ## Step 3: Update Published Map ### Access Update Options 1. **Open Published Map**: Open your published map 2. **Find Update Button**: Look for the update option in the publish dialog 3. **Modify Information**: Change any of the following: * Title and version * Description * Categories * Thumbnail (URL, upload, or AI generate) * Tags * Access Control (Public, Password Protected, or Team Only) ### Update Process 1. **Make Changes**: Modify the desired information 2. **Review Settings**: Double-check all settings 3. **Click "Update"**: Click the update button to republish changes 4. **Alternative: Unpublish**: Use "Unpublish" button to remove from public/team access Update Published Map Dialog ## Step 4: View Published Map ### Access Published Map 1. **Click Arrow Icon**: Click the arrow icon at the top right of the publish dialog 2. **New Tab Opens**: A new browser tab will open with your published map 3. **Static View**: The map opens in a static, view-only format ### Published Map Features * **View-Only Access**: Users can view but not edit the map * **Layer Visibility**: All layers are visible as configured * **Interactive Elements**: Map maintains interactive features like zoom and pan * **Public Hub**: If published publicly, the map appears in the NikaHub Published Map View ## Best Practices ### Before Publishing * **Finalize Your Map**: Ensure all layers and styling are complete * **Set Initial View**: Position the map at the desired initial view * **Test Functionality**: Test all interactive features * **Optimize Performance**: Ensure good loading performance ### Content Quality * **Accurate Data**: Ensure data accuracy and currency * **Clear Visualization**: Create clear and informative visualizations * **Proper Styling**: Use appropriate styling and colors * **Clear Documentation**: Provide clear descriptions and documentation ### Publishing Strategy * **Consistent Naming**: Use consistent naming conventions * **Regular Updates**: Keep published maps current and updated * **Quality Assurance**: Implement quality assurance processes * **Community Engagement**: Engage with community feedback ## Troubleshooting ### Common Issues * **Publishing Fails**: Check that all required fields (marked with \*) are filled * **Thumbnail Issues**: Use AI generation if you don't have a thumbnail * **Permission Problems**: Verify access control settings (Public, Password Protected, or Team Only) * **Update Issues**: Ensure you click "Update" after making changes ### Solutions * **Validate Data**: Ensure all data is valid and properly formatted * **Check Required Fields**: Review all fields marked with asterisks * **Test Locally**: Test map functionality before publishing * **Contact Support**: Contact support for persistent issues ## Next Steps Now that you've published your map: 1. **Share**: Share your published map with your team or community 2. **Monitor**: Monitor engagement and feedback 3. **Update**: Keep your map current and updated 4. **Engage**: Engage with the community and respond to feedback Happy publishing!