3. Map Controls

Here you will learn tips and tricks for using the map!

3a. Leaflet Controls

Leaflet is the open-source software behind the main map. Some of the controls include:

Zooming - Zoom in with a double cick; zoom in or out by using the (+ -) icons in the lower -left corner or the scrolling function on your mouse. The plus and minus keys on your keyboard also work, and can be combined with Shift for a larger zoom.

Zoom Box - Holding down Shift and dragging allows you to define a rectangular-shaped area to zoom in to.

Scale - A simple scale bar showing both metric and imperial units is always located in the lower-left corner.

Pan - You can pan the map by clicking and dragging or by using the directional keys on your keyboard.

Measure In some versions of the map, you can measure paths using a measure plugin in the bottom left corner of the map. To use this tool, click the arrow icon to activate the tool and click on the map to add points. Double-click to finish a path and click the X icon to clear all paths. You can also move individual nodes once the path is finished.

3b. Layer Controls

The map contains multiple base layers and layers of points grouped in similar categories. These layers can be changed and toggled using the layer control button

in the upper right corner of the map. Each category contains subcategories which can also be toggled once revealed. To show the subcategories, click the triangle next to the category name. All point layers can be toggled simultaneously by clicking the uppermost ~~TOGGLE ALL~~ option in the menu. Then you can individually turn on categories of interest.

3c. Context Menu

You can bring up an additional context menu of options by right-clicking (control+click with a Mac) on the map. This menu can be used to set routing points (see section 3d), zoom in and out, center the map, or show the coordinates of the place clicked. The last function is useful when submitting a point. Coordinates can also be inferred by centering the map on your point and looking at the web address. The latitude and longitude of the map center are the last two numbers in the address.

3d. Location and Routing

When using GeoPOI, you may want to plot your current location on the map. You may also want routing directions from one location to another when you are trying to find a point. Fortunately, there is a solution for you. Your current location along with an accuracy radius will be plotted on the map by clicking the marker icon in the lower right corner of the map. Note: Unfortunately this feature does not work in the latest version of Chrome. In this case, you can either zoom to your location using the map or you can enter coordinates, an address, or a placename in the search box located in the lower right corner of the map.

Routing: (Requires Premium Account)
Once you know where you are, you can look to see what points are nearby. If you want routing assistance to get to those points, the best way to use the context menu function (see 3c) to set a routing start point and destination. After these two points are set, a route will appear and directions will be listed in the routing toolbar

in the lower right corner of the map. You can add a new point along the route by dragging the route. This allows you to customize the route a specific direction. Finally, you can clear all routing points from the context menu. Another feature in the lower left corner is a mini-map , useful for getting a more regional view without needing to change the zoom level.

4. GeoPOI Controls

When using the map, if you mouse-over an icon, the name and category of the point will be revealed. If you click on the point, a window pops open where you can see a picture, description, and other attributes. In this popup, you can also rate the point on a 5-star scale or view and leave a comment about the point. This is a good way to suggest updates or report errors in the point, or for any conversation regarding the point. The comments are moderated before being shown on the website.

The paper-airplane icon will load a submission form which can be used to add your own points to the database! The form will walk you through a series of questions to extract as much information as possible about your point. These details help make the point easier to find and filter. Answer the questions as best you can, but don't worry as your submission will be edited for quality control before being approved.

To get the coordinates of the point, right-click on the map and use the context-menu or center the map on your point and read the coordinates from the web address. The latitude and longitude are the last two decimal numbers in the address. The longitude is always a negative number in the United States, and the latitude is positive in the northern hemisphere.

We encourage users to include a picture of the point with submissions and allow a method of uploading the picture to Imgur during point submission. Once the picture is uploaded you will be given an image address from a popup window that you can copy into the form.

If you have any questions about how to use the map after reading through these controls, feel free to send an email!