A mapping engine receives map data from a map server and displays electronic maps. The mapping engine also receives one or more templates that specify metrics to show with the map. The templates specify metrics to accomplish specific tasks, such as house hunting. Metrics describe attributes of the areas shown in the map and are received from a metrics server or another source. Metrics are static or dynamic. Some metrics are explicitly specified, while other metrics are computed in response to the map data and/or other metrics. One or more of the templates are designated as "active," and the mapping engine displays the metrics of the active templates. The mapping engine displays some metrics on the map and other metrics in a metrics panel.