The map is an SVG document. clipPaths (basically masks) have been created for each landmass. The pings being displayed are just circles with gradients, but you

The map is an SVG document. clipPaths (basically masks) have been created for each landmass. The pings being displayed are just circles with gradients, but you only see them through the 'pixelated' landmass mask. The map starts a static SVG file and the pings are added to the DOM with JS. The animation is a mix of JS and SMIL.