Map Pack
Definition
Another name for the local pack – the map and three business listings appearing in Google search results for local queries.
What is the Map Pack?
Map pack is another term for the local pack – the prominent Google search feature showing a map with three local business listings. The terms are interchangeable; both describe the same feature.
The name "map pack" emphasises the visual map component, while "local pack" focuses on the local business listings. You'll hear SEO professionals use both terms.
Map Pack Components
The Map
An interactive Google Map showing the locations of the three featured businesses with pin markers.
Business Listings
Three businesses displayed with:
- Business name (linked to their Google Business Profile)
- Star rating and review count
- Business category
- Address or area
- Opening hours (sometimes)
- Phone number (on mobile)
"More Places" Link
Clicking expands to show additional local results beyond the top three.
Map Pack vs Google Maps
The map pack appears within Google Search results. Google Maps is a separate product (maps.google.com) showing more comprehensive local results with additional features like directions and Street View.
Ranking factors overlap significantly, but Google Maps shows more businesses and includes different filtering options.
Why Both Terms Exist
"Local pack" was the original SEO term, emphasising local search. As the map became more prominent in the feature, "map pack" gained popularity. Neither term is official Google terminology – Google simply calls it "local results".
For optimisation purposes, treating them as identical is correct. Focus on your Google Business Profile, reviews, and local SEO fundamentals to rank in whichever term you prefer to call it.