Skip to main content

The Map is Not the Territory. The Story Is.

A Manifesto by Map Your City

Philosopher Alfred Korzybski said it first:

“The map is not the territory.”

A map is just a simplified model,
it can’t capture the richness of lived experience.

At Map Your City, we believe “The Story Is.”
Because what makes a place truly meaningful is what happens there — the people, culture, and connections.

Cities aren’t made of concrete and roads.

They are made of stories.

Moments, Memories. Movements.
Shared by people who live them,
love them, and choose to pass them on.

We believe

in maps that feel

alive.

That update with emotion.

 

That reveal not just where to go,
but why it matters.

 

That are curated by communities,
not algorithms.

Destination

marketers are

not promotors.

They are storytellers.
Curators.
Guardians of the
connected story.

They weave narratives that connect
locals and travelers.
Past and present, purpose and
place.
And they deserve tools
that go beyond brochures
and bullet points.
They deserve a platform
that speaks their language —
One that maps meaning.

We believe

every destination

deserves a platform.

Not just to be visited,
but to be understood.
Join Us — and start mapping what matters.

That’s why we’ve made it our mission to enable you to tell or experience authentic stories at all the places that matter to you.

We bring together explorers, locals, and marketers
to create living, breathing maps of the places they love.
Every pin, every story, every favorite — a thread in a larger narrative.
This is where cities come alive
through the people who know them best.
Start Exploring
Create your community

Our promise

We’ve been on this journey for several years now, but in many ways it still feels like early days. The way we see it, exciting stories and delightful location experiences will never go out of style, and we intend to be around for as long as people value those. — Caroline Vrauwdeunt (Founder)