© Network Knowledge

Table of Contents

Introduction
PRTG Maps vs PRTG Dashboards
Benefits of PRTG Maps
Overview of Default PRTG Map Types
Getting Started with PRTG Maps
Creating Different Types of Custom Maps
Deep Dive: Using Map Designer Effectively
Custom Map Objects
Using Custom HTML in PRTG Maps
Integrating the PRTG API with Maps
Map Nesting and Modular Design
Checklist: Building a PRTG Map
Conclusion
FAQs

 

Introduction

In modern IT environments, visibility is everything. As networks grow more ever more complex — spanning on-premises infrastructure, cloud services, and distributed locations — having a clear, real-time view of system health becomes critical. This is where Paessler’s PRTG Network Monitor stands out, offering powerful monitoring capabilities combined with flexible visualisation tools.

Amongst these, PRTG Maps provide one of the most versatile ways to present monitoring data. Unlike standard dashboards, maps allow you to build fully customised, interactive views of your infrastructure — tailored to your organisation’s specific needs. Whether you’re designing a high-level executive overview, a detailed network topology, or a large-scale NOC display, PRTG Maps give you complete control over how data is displayed and consumed.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to create fully functional custom maps in PRTG — from understanding the different map types available to mastering the Map Designer, integrating custom elements, and leveraging the PRTG API. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge needed to design clear, effective, and visually engaging monitoring maps that enhance both visibility and operational efficiency.

Before diving into building maps, it’s important to understand the distinction between PRTG Maps and PRTG Dashboards, as they are often used interchangeably but serve different purposes.

PRTG Maps vs PRTG Dashboards

PRTG Dashboards are typically pre-configured, high-level visual summaries of the monitoring environment. They present key metrics, alerts, and summaries in a structured layout with minimal customization required. Dashboards are ideal for quick insights and executive- level overviews.

PRTG Maps, on the other hand, are highly customizable visualizations that allow the design of customised monitoring views from scratch. They can include maps, floor plans, device diagrams, status indicators, graphs, and even custom HTML elements. Maps are interactive and flexible, making them ideal for network operations centres (NOCs), wall displays, and deep operational monitoring.

Benefits of PRTG Maps

PRTG Maps provide several advantages for network monitoring teams, namely:

Overview of Default PRTG Map Types

PRTG offers several built-in map types and templates:

1. Device Tree Maps

Description: Displays the hierarchical structure of the monitored devices.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

2. Geo Maps

Description: Places devices on a world map using geographic coordinates.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

3. Topology Maps

Description: Represents network relationships and dependencies.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

4. Dashboard-Style Maps

Description: Combines charts, gauges, and status widgets.

Benefits:

Disadvantages:

Getting Started with PRTG Maps

Below is the step-by-step process for creating a custom PRTG map:

Step 1: Access the Map Designer

Step 2: Open Map Designer

Click Edit Map to launch the Map Designer.

Step 3: Add Map Objects

From the right-hand panel, drag and drop elements such as:

Step 4: Configure Objects

Click on any object to configure:

Step 5: Arrange Layout

Organize the objects logically:

Step 6: Save and Publish

Click Save and then configure sharing:

Creating Different Types of Custom Maps

Based on the use of a map, there are a few different types of custom map available:

1. Infrastructure Overview Map

2. Network Topology Map

3. NOC Wall Display Map

4. Geographic Map

Deep Dive: Using Map Designer Effectively

Map Designer is the core tool for building maps in PRTG and some key tips for the most effective use of it are:

Custom Map Objects

Various types of reusable components can be created within PRTG maps:

Using Custom HTML in PRTG Maps

PRTG allows embedding HTML for advanced customization where examples include:

Example HTML Snippet:
<div style="font-size:20px; color:red;">
  Critical Alerts: {sensorstatus}
</div>

Benefits:

Risks:

Integrating the PRTG API with Maps

The PRTG API enables dynamic data integration.

Use Cases include:

Example API Call:
/api/getsensordetails.json?id=1234

Benefits:

Considerations:

Map Nesting and Modular Design

Map nesting allows embedding of one map inside another.

Benefits:

Example:

Checklist: Building a PRTG Map

Prerequisites

Steps Checklist

Conclusion

PRTG Maps are one of the most powerful features available for infrastructure monitoring. Unlike static dashboards, maps allow you to build highly customized, interactive, and visually intuitive monitoring environments tailored to your organization’s needs. By leveraging Map Designer, custom objects, HTML, and the PRTG API, you can create anything from simple status boards to complex, enterprise-grade monitoring systems. With thoughtful design and proper planning, PRTG Maps can significantly enhance visibility, reduce response times, and improve operational efficiency.

FAQs

1. What is the main purpose of PRTG Maps?

To provide customizable, visual representations of monitoring data in real time.

2. Can I share PRTG Maps publicly?

Yes, using public URLs with appropriate access controls.

3. Do PRTG Maps support real-time updates?

Yes, they auto-refresh based on configured intervals.

4. Can I integrate external data into PRTG Maps?

Yes, using the PRTG API and custom HTML.

5. Are PRTG Maps suitable for NOC displays?

Absolutely—they are commonly used for large-screen monitoring.