An approach is provided for processing drawing inputs on a mapping user interface to select one or more map elements. An interaction platform receives a drawing input via the mapping user interface. Next, the interaction platform processes the drawing input to determine one or more selection parameters of at least one spatial query. Thereafter, the interaction platform queries at least one spatial index based, at least in part, on the one or more selection parameters, the at least one spatial query, or a combination thereof to determine one or more map elements. Subsequently, the interaction platform causes, at least in part, a selection of the one or more map elements based, at least in part, on the drawing input.