Systems and methods are provided for generating a mapping application that displays an initial map with a zoom level that is based on a travel time associated with the location of the user. The mapping application receives a request to present a digital map from a client device. Based on the current geographic location of the client device, the mapping application estimates a distance in which a user of the client device can travel within a particular time period. The mapping application then selects a parameter for a viewport of the digital map based at least on the estimated distance. For example, the viewport parameter may be a zoom level. The mapping application then generates the digital map in accordance with the selected parameter, and displays the digital map via a user interface of the client device.