What are map capture styles?
Mapillary offers three capture layers that let you view street-level imagery in different ways. Each layer serves a specific purpose: see the best-quality coverage, browse all available images, or find areas that still need to be captured.
Best Captures
Shows: Optimized, map-matched captures, the clearest and most accurately positioned view.
Best Captures uses algorithms to select the highest-quality, best-positioned images based on image quality, recency, and GPS accuracy.
What you'll see
- Cleaner lines, usually one line per road
- Accurate road alignment (images map-matched to the correct road)
- Preference for 360 degree images where available
- Preference for newer images where available
Map-matching corrects for GPS drift by snapping each sequence to the correct road geometry, so imagery appears exactly where you expect it, not offset to the side or on a parallel street.
When to use it :
- Quickly find usable, high-quality imagery
- Work with accurate positioning (addresses, map features, OSM editing)
- Get a clear overview or explore an unfamiliar area
Note: some older or lower-quality sequences won't appear here, switch to "All Captures" if you can't find what you need.
All Captures
Shows: every capture with raw GPS positions, multiple captures per street
All Captures shows every sequence that's ever been uploaded, from every contributor, presented just as it was recorded, with no filtering, or optimization applied. Because nothing is left out, it's the best way to see the full history of an area, or uncover older imagery.
What you'll see
- Every uploaded sequence, from all contributors
- Multiple overlapping sequences in well-covered areas
- All image types, 360°, standard photos, action cam, and dashcam
Captures Needed
Shows: A coverage gap analysis highlighting areas with missing or insufficient imagery (in red).
This layer reveals where imagery is missing, outdated, or sparse, helping you plan capture sessions that fill important gaps. Mapillary analyzes its database against the road network to surface uncaptured roads, outdated coverage, low-density roads, and missing segments.
What you'll see :
- Highlighted gaps (in red) with private roads removed
- The underlying road network
When to use it :
- Plan an efficient capture route before heading out
- Focus effort where new imagery makes the biggest difference
- Coordinate with other contributors and fill the gaps together
How to Switch Between Layers
- Open the Mapillary map at mapillary.com or through the Mapillary Mobile Apps
- Find the layers control on the side of the screen.
- Under the Captures section select All Captures, Best Captures, or Captures Needed
- The map refreshes automatically, your position is preserved
Tip: compare the same area across layers to understand the differences.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Best Captures | All Captures | Captures Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shows | Highest quality imagery | Everything | Coverage gaps |
| Map-matched? | Yes | No (raw GPS) | Yes |
| Best for | Quick exploration, accurate positioning | Finding specific sequences, historical imagery | Planning capture sessions |
| Clutter level | Low | High in urban areas | Low |
| Includes older imagery | Sometimes, preference for newer imagery | Yes | N/A |
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