FUSION WORKFLOW / 05
Level: Beginner workflowAnimate a Route Line on a Map in Fusion
A map sits on a transparent Background, the route is drawn with Polygon Write Length, and labels and markers are assembled with MultiMerge and a Path-driven Transform.
Understand the task
This workflow builds a clean animated route over a map. A map screenshot forms the base, a red route line is drawn with Polygon Mask and Background, then an information card, soft glow and moving marker are composited on top. The technique works well for travel videos, delivery and logistics, navigation inserts, explainers and short-form content.
The graph is split into three independent parts. The map is normalized to the frame with Background and Transform, the route line is drawn separately with Polygon Write Length, and the info card plus marker are assembled and moved on their own Path. Because the parts stay separate, the route can be changed without rebuilding the map or the label animation.
Node graph
Zoom into a branch, select a node and inspect its incoming connections.
Select a node to inspect its connections. Drag to pan; Ctrl/Cmd + wheel or + / − to zoom. Arrow keys move the view; Home fits the graph.On a touch screen, enable Move to pan and pinch the graph.
| From | To | Input |
|---|---|---|
| Input | ||
| Foreground | ||
| Background | ||
| Background | ||
| EffectMask | ||
| Foreground | ||
| Background | ||
| EffectMask | ||
| EffectMask | ||
| Input | ||
| Input | ||
| See the graph and walkthrough | ||
| See the graph and walkthrough | ||
| Input | ||
| Foreground | ||
| Input |
Assembly order
Scale the map screenshot with Transform, then place it over a transparent Background through Merge. This creates a stable 1920×1080 canvas independent of the original screenshot dimensions.
Draw the route with Polygon Mask. Background1 provides the red line color while Polygon defines the path and reveals it progressively through animated Write Length.
Composite the red route over the map. Keeping them separate makes it easy to change the route without affecting map scale or other graphic elements.
The information card is a separate PNG overlay. Rectangle softens its shape, Background3 provides a glow source, Transform3 scales it, and Glow separates it visually from detailed map content.
MultiMerge assembles the card and glow into one layer. Transform4 follows Path2 so the label can travel with the start or end of the route.
The final Merge combines the map, animated route and moving card before the navigation graphic is sent to MediaOut.
Node parameters
The values below belong to this example. Use the descriptions to understand what each setting controls when adapting the graph to your footage.
Polygon is both the route shape and its animation controller. Border Width makes it visible as a line and Write Length progressively draws the path.
Background1 provides the route color. Because Polygon is connected to Effect Mask, the color appears only along the traced line.
Transform2 fits the map screenshot to the frame and slightly enlarges it to remove unwanted edges and improve route composition.
Rectangle works as a soft mask for the route information PNG so the card integrates cleanly without harsh edges.
Glow adds a soft halo behind the information card so it remains readable over dense map detail.
Transform4 gets its position from Path2, allowing the card to move on a separate trajectory without modifying the map or route line.
Troubleshooting
Do not use a pre-rendered route image if the line needs an animated draw-on; Polygon Write Length is far easier to control.
Do not flatten the map, route and label into a single PNG or every route change will require rebuilding the entire graphic.
Do not confuse the imported resource name Map with MediaIn, the node type that brings the image into Fusion.
Avoid an excessively thick route line because it quickly hides street labels and important map detail.
Do not skip the transparent Background if you need a stable composition resolution.
Check the composition
Tick each item after checking it in your own composition.
These references explain the tools and connections used in the graph.
Working in the Node Editor: Merge inputs and output-image resolution.
Bitmap Mask and Common Mask Controls: images as masks, channel selection, alpha and range.
