# Map description

The map description feature enriches your map by adding contextual details. This makes it easier for all viewers, even those unfamiliar with the subject, to understand and utilize the map's information effectively.

This feature supports [Markdown syntax](https://www.markdownguide.org/basic-syntax/), enabling you to incorporate headers, text formatting, links, images, and more. This added layer of customization enhances clarity and provides better insights into the displayed data, assumptions, and even guidelines for interpretation.

To add a description to your map, complete the following steps:

1. Find the map description icon located at the top-right corner of the header <img src="/files/Y7J5LqnsSQym0ejeBqn9" alt="" data-size="line">.
2. After clicking, Edit mode will activate, revealing a designated input area in the right panel. You can use Markdown syntax for advanced formatting options, including links and images.
3. Use the Preview mode to see how your description will appear to viewers.

<figure><img src="/files/hIcaeqRS2jjA43ym7yWu" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Authoring a map description</em></p></figcaption></figure>

Once you've added the description and updated the map, it becomes immediately available for all viewers upon publication.

{% hint style="info" %}
To ensure the map description panel is the first thing viewers see when the map loads, publish the map with the description visible. If you don't, the Widgets/Parameters panel, if present, will display by default.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/n9vRA6HLdSLRi15SegRg" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Accessing Map Description as a Viewer</em></p></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.carto.com/carto-user-manual/maps/map-description.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.