# Manual package preparation
A map package follows a certain folder structure and must contain a `.json` file describing that structure. Our automatic map import processes create this `.json` file automatically, but you also have the option to prepare it yourself. Including your own `.json` file will overwrite any arguments passed to the `make import` command.
- [__Standard Maps__](#standard-maps)
- [Create the folder structure for the standard maps](#create-the-folder-structure-for-the-standard-maps)
- [Create the JSON description for the standard maps](#create-the-json-description-for-the-standard-maps)
- [__Large Maps__](#large-maps)
- [Create the folder structure for the large maps](#create-the-folder-structure-for-the-large-maps)
- [Create the JSON description for the large maps](#create-the-json-description-for-the-large-maps)
---
## Standard maps
### Create the folder structure for the standard maps
__1. Create a folder inside `carla/Import`.__ The name of the folder is not important.
__2. Create different subfolders__ for each map to be imported.
__3. Move the files of each map to the corresponding subfolder.__ A subfolder will contain a specific set of elements:
- The mesh of the map in a `.fbx` file.
- The OpenDRIVE definition in a `.xodr` file.
- Optionally, the textures required by the asset.
For instance, an `Import` folder with one package containing two maps should have a structure similar to the one below.
```sh
Import
│
└── Package01
├── Package01.json
├── Map01
│ ├── Asphalt1_Diff.jpg
│ ├── Asphalt1_Norm.jpg
│ ├── Asphalt1_Spec.jpg
│ ├── Grass1_Diff.jpg
│ ├── Grass1_Norm.jpg
│ ├── Grass1_Spec.jpg
│ ├── LaneMarking1_Diff.jpg
│ ├── LaneMarking1_Norm.jpg
│ ├── LaneMarking1_Spec.jpg
│ ├── Map01.fbx
│ └── Map01.xodr
└── Map02
└── Map02.fbx
```
---
### Create the JSON description for the standard maps
Create a `.json` file in the root folder of the package. Name the file after the package. Note that this will be the distribution name. The content of the file will describe a JSON array of __maps__ and __props__ with basic information for each of them.
__Maps__ need the following parameters:
- __name__ of the map. This must be the same as the `.fbx` and `.xodr` files.
- __source__ path to the `.fbx` file.
- __use_carla_materials__. If __True__, the map will use CARLA materials. Otherwise, it will use RoadRunner materials.
- __xodr__ Path to the `.xodr` file.
__Props__ are not part of this tutorial. The field will be left empty. There is another tutorial on how to [add new props](tuto_A_add_props.md).
The resulting `.json` file should resemble the following:
```json
{
"maps": [
{
"name": "Map01",
"source": "./Map01/Map01.fbx",
"use_carla_materials": true,
"xodr": "./Map01/Map01.xodr"
},
{
"name": "Map02",
"source": "./Map02/Map02.fbx",
"use_carla_materials": false,
"xodr": "./Map02/Map02.xodr"
}
],
"props": [
]
}
```
---
If you have any questions about the process, then you can ask in the [forum](https://github.com/carla-simulator/carla/discussions).