1.1 What is MapWith.Us?

MapWith.Us is a social networking Web site that aims to build an online community based on creating, sharing, and discussing customized maps. You can design and publish your maps from the Web or add text and photos from your cell phone using our simple mobile application.

1.2 What can MapWith.Us do for me?

MapWith.Us allows you to locate any content, such as photos, videos, documents, Web links and custom routes. It enables you to create your own customized maps, save them to your personal profile, and share them with friends or the entire world.

For example, you can share pictures and video from a recent vacation, give directions to your house, plan a trip to Hawaii or refine details for an upcoming wedding reception. You can even password protect your maps so that only preferred visitors can view them.

1.3 Will MapWith.Us work with my computer and browser?

The MapWith.Us Web site will work with any relatively new computer and browser. However, we do have some specific performance notes:

Web Browsers

MapWith.Us works best in Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 2. Older Web browsers such as Internet Explorer 6 and new but less popular browsers such as Opera 9 and Safari 3 also work well but you may experience a few hiccups or notice one or two irregularities.

Computer and Internet Connection

Our maps often feature hundreds of notes, photos, routes and videos, so using a very large map surface on some slower machines can result in less than ideal performance. To speed up maps and searches, you can shrink your browser window to decrease the size of the map surface, or limit the number of results or items on the map by changing the Show-results setting on the Find Maps tab or the Show-items setting on the Create & Edit tab.

1.4 What is MapWith.Us Mobile?

MapWith.Us Mobile is a simple program that allows you to upload photos from your cell phone straight to photo albums on a map. For more information, please see 7. MapWith.Us Mobile Application as well as our mobile page.

1.5 Can I contact MapWith.Us with comments, questions, or suggestions?

You will find a Contact Us link at the bottom of most pages on the Web site. Just fill out the form on our contact page, submit it, and we'll reply to your message personally, typically within one business day.

Use the Find Maps tab to find maps published by other users. You can also locate businesses, find addresses, and get directions.

2.1 How do I find maps that interest me?

Since maps can be tagged with user-prescribed keywords, finding maps couldn't be easier. Simply type your desired keywords in the Maps search box in the top left corner of the page. Separate your keywords with commas! When you've finished, hit enter while typing in the box, or click the Search button. Your search results should appear within a few moments.

2.2 Where are my search results?

The Find Maps tab is in fact a "map of maps." Your search results appear on the search map itself. Detailed descriptions of your results appear in the bar to the left. Click on the green arrow next to each result to show or hide its details. Finally, click on the links on the map or in the side bar to browse to that map.

You can adjust the Within-age and Show-results options above the detailed results pane to refine your search. If there are too many results to display on the map at one time, you can find more results by clicking on the paging arrows at the top of the map or at the top of the detailed results pane. The Show-results option sets how many maps are visible at one time.

2.3 Why am I not finding the maps I want?

There are a few reasons why you may not find as many maps as you expect.

1. Search results are limited to the area on the search map that you're currently looking at. Pan the search map to look for maps in a different location, or zoom out to search a larger area at once.
2. Try increasing the Within-age option above the detailed results pane to find older search results.
3. Try entering additional keywords to describe what you're looking for. Remember to separate keywords with commas!
4. Maps that are larger than the visible search area won't show up in the search, so be wary of zooming in too far. Note: Hovering your mouse over links on the search map shows you the rough size of that map.

2.4 What is Advanced Search?

For additional options and a list of popular keyword, you can access Advanced Search by clicking on the Advanced link next to the Maps search box in the top left corner of the page.

Use the Advanced feature to search for maps by keywords and users. Click on the keyword links to pick them automatically.

2.5 The map is too big or too small! What should I do?

All maps at MapWith.Us are automatically sized for the best fit in your browser window. If you find that the map appears either too large or too small, try adjusting the width and height of your browser window until you find a comfortable map size. Under most resolutions, we suggest maximizing your browser window to get the largest viewing space.

Use the Create & Edit tab to view published maps, participate in community maps, and start creating your own.

3.1 How do I view maps?

For help finding maps, see 2.1 How do I find maps that interest me? and all related questions.

Simply click on the link to any map and you will be taken to that map's unique Web page. From there you can read a short description, browse the map, and leave comments for the owner and other users.

3.2 How do I pan and zoom the map?

There are several ways to pan and zoom the map. You can click anywhere on the map's surface and drag it in the desired direction to pan, or double left-click to zoom in and double right-click to zoom out. You can also pan by using the navigation controls in the top left corner of the map, and zoom in or out either by using the navigation slider or by clicking the plus and minus buttons.

You may also jump directly to a specific location by entering an address or latitute/longitude in the Places search box at the top of the page. Simply type in a destination and then hit enter or click the Go button.

3.3 What are map items?

When viewing a map, map items appear on the map surface. There are many types of map items, such as simple notes, icons, and photo albums, which can be clicked on to expand further details. Only a limited number of items can be shown on the map at one time, but you can display additional items by clicking on the paging arrows at the top of the map.

The owner of the map may set certain restrictions regarding which map items are displayed by default. However, visitors to the map can change these restrictions by accessing the various controls on the left side of the map header immediately above the map:

• Within Age: Display items added within a day, week, month or year, or display all items.
• Show Items: Show up to 10, 20, 50 or 100 items per page.
• With Overlays: Change which overlays are visible on the map. (See 3.6 What are overlays?)

Simply click the link for the desired option to change its default setting.

3.4 Can I search for items on the map?

You can quickly search for items on the current map using the Map search box in the top left corner of the page. Simply type one or more keywords and then hit enter or click the Search button. Remember to separate your keywords with commas! By default, the item search tries to match every keyword you enter and only finds items that are currently visible on the map, with the newest items shown first.

For advanced search features, access the Items menu either by clicking the Items link next to the Map search box or by clicking the Items button on the left edge of the map. This menu gives you several additional options:

• Match: Match any or all of the entered keywords.
• Search: Search only visible items or all items on the map.
• Order: Choose an order in which to display the search results.

The list of results appears in the menu. In search visible mode, this list corresponds to the items displayed on the map, and the Items menu's paging arrows are tied to the map's paging arrows. In search all mode, this list is independent of the items on the map, and the menu's paging arrows control only the search results.

Note: All searches are subject to the item display settings in the map header. (See 3.3 What are map items?)

3.5 Can I add items to the map?

Many maps permit users other than the owner to add items. We call these community maps, and they work in many different ways.

Community maps may be restricted to registered users only, or they may allow "anonymous" additions. Some maps permit users to modify or delete existing items. The owner of the map may give users the ability to add overlays to the map (see 3.6 What are overlays?), which give users great control over their additions to the map. To check whether or not your current map is a community map, look for a Collaborate section in the About menu (accessible via the About button on the left edge of the map) and identify what permissions, if any, have been granted.

Adding items to a community map can be done in much the same way as adding items to your own map. For further instructions, see 6.9 How do I add items to a map?

3.6 What are overlays?

One unique and highly adaptable feature available at MapWith.Us is the ability to create overlays on your own and others' maps. Overlays are layers of items that can be applied to any number of maps. (For help creating overlays, see 6.x How do I add overlays? and 6.9 How do I add items to a map?)

Each overlay applied to a map is initially either displayed or hidden, as decided by the map's owner. However, all overlays can be turned on or off from the Overlays listing, which can be found in the About menu (click the About button on the left edge of the map) or the With Overlays pane (click the With Overlays link in the heading above the map). To show or hide an overlay, simply check or uncheck the box next to the overlay in the list. Note: If the map has no overlays then this listing will not be visible.

3.7 Can I bookmark or link to a map?

Of course! Each map has its own unique Web page, so the URL in your address bar can be copied and shared with anyone you wish. You can also get the link to a map by clicking on Link to this map in the Map links bar below the map. In the future, the Link to this map feature may contain additional options to customize the presentation of the map.

3.8 How do I send the map to a friend?

The easiest way to share a map is to use the E-mail this map link in the Map links bar below the map. Simply type in your own name or e-mail address in the From box and the e-mail addresses of up to four people in the To boxes, then click the E-mail button to e-mail them a link to the map.

If you wish to send the map to more than four people, just hit the Reset button when finished and enter any additional e-mail addresses.

3.9 Can I embed a map on my own Web page?

You can embed your MapWith.Us maps in a variety of colors and styles. To view the complete list of options, use the Embed this map link in the Map links bar below the map. Customize the settings to your liking, or use the defaults. To see what your embedded map will look like, click the Preview this map link at the bottom of the pane.

When you're finished, just copy the HTML code from text box and paste it into your own Web page. Note: The code in the box is updated whenever you choose different settings, so remember to copy it again if you change anything.

3.10 Can I leave comments on maps?

You can leave comments on any published map. Scroll down below the map to find the Comments section. Read what comments other users have read, and add your own comments using the form at the bottom of the page.

3.11 I'm ready to start making my own maps! What do I do?

See 6. Creating Maps.

Use the My Profile tab to manage your settings, maps, files, and personal profile. You can also view others' profiles, add your friends, and check out what they've been viewing and creating on MapWith.Us.

4.1 What is a profile?

Every user develops a unique profile in the process of making maps and interacting with the MapWith.Us community. You can always access your profile by clicking on the My Profile tab at the top of the page. Other users' profiles can be viewed by clicking on their names or avatars throughout the site. You can customize your own profile and specify whether certain information is available for others to see.

Note: In order to maintain a profile, you must first create an account. See 5.1 How do I sign up?

4.2 How do I add and remove friends?

When you visit another user's profile, an Add to friends button appears in the top right corner if you are logged in. If the user is already one of your friends, a Remove from friends button appears instead. Simply click the button to add or remove the user from your friends list.

You can also add friends by email address and send invitations from your Friends profile page (see 4.5 What else is available in user profiles?)

4.3 How do I edit my profile?

When you are logged in, a Settings link appears at the top of your profile page. Navigate to the Settings page you can manage all of your information, such as your name, email address, interests, and other Internet presences in the About Me section. You can upgrade to or cancel a professional subscription from the Account section on the right-hand menu. (See 5.2 What kinds of accounts are available?)

4.4 How do I change my avatar (profile photo)?

On the Settings page in your profile, choose the Profile Photo section from the menu on the right. There you can select from amongst your uploaded photos, or upload a new photo to set as your current avatar.

4.5 What else is available in user profiles?

Profiles contain a variety of helpful features. From the menu of links at the top of any profile page, you can choose from the following:

• Maps: Find the maps this user has published. From your own profile, you can also find your unpublished maps, and even begin creating a new map.
• Friends: See what friends other users have added. From your own profile, you can Add Friends and Invite Friends by visiting the sections on the right-hand menu.
• Favorites: Check out other users' favorite searches and favorite places. Note: You can add to your own favorites from the Favorites section in the top right corner of the Find Maps tab.
• Activity: View the activity of this user and his or her friends, e.g. what maps they've updated or what maps they've been browsing.

4.6 What is the Files section?

When you're logged in, the menu at the top of your profile includes a link to your Files page. There you can upload more files, delete those you no longer want, and manage your directories.

4.7 How do I use the RSS feed?

Click the RSS feed icon . This will take you to the web feed containing your public maps. You can then copy the URL from the address bar and add it to your aggregator. You can also add this feed to your Facebook profile, or other social network. (see 4.8 How do I add my RSS feed to Facebook?)

4.8 How do I add my RSS feed to Facebook?

Click the RSS feed icon and copy the resulting URL from the address bar. Then sign in to your Facebook account, and click on the Notes application. Next, click the My Notes link. From the Note Settings section, click Import a Blog. Paste your RSS feed URL into the text box labeled Web URL, click the checkbox, and click Start Importing. Finally, click Confirm Import.

User accounts allow everyone to create maps and participate in the MapWith.Us online community.

5.1 How do I sign up?

At the top right corner of any page you can find a Sign Up Free link. This takes you to the signup page which explains the various account types we offer. The Sign Up Now! button will take you to the registration page where you can complete the brief signup form.

5.2 How much does it cost to sign up?

Signing up for an account at MapWith.Us is free. Right off the bat you can begin to create maps, upload files, publish your work on the MapWith.Us community page, and even embed maps on your own Web site. Note: Users who require additional resources (such as storage space or embedded map bandwidth) can upgrade their accounts (see 5.3 What other account types are available?).

5.3 What other account types are available?

Standard accounts at MapWith.Us come with 100 MB of free storage (maximum 5 MB per file) and allow you 20,000 map results on embedded maps each month. (Map results from the MapWith.Us Web site are generally unlimited.)

Users looking to push beyond these limitations are encouraged to upgrade to a professional or business account:

• Professional Silver - $1.95 / mo. - 2 GB storage, maximum 25 MB per file, 50,000 embedded results per month.
• Professional Gold - $3.95 / mo. - 10 GB storage, maximum 50 MB per file, 100,000 embedded results per month.
• Business Silver - $14.95 / mo. - 10 GB storage, maximum 50 MB per file, 2,000,000 embedded results per month.
• Business Gold - $29.95 / mo. - 20 GB storage, maximum 100 MB per file, 10,000,000 embedded results per month.
• Business Platinum - Contact us for details.

5.4 How do I upgrade or downgrade my account?

You can upgrade to or cancel your professional or business subscription at any time from your profile settings page. When logged in, just go to the My Profile tab. From the menu at the top, select the Settings link, and from the settings page choose the link for the Account section on the right-hand side. You will be presented with your account details page, where you can upgrade or downgrade your account by clicking the change link.

5.5 How do I cancel my account?

If you wish to cancel your MapWith.Us account, please use our Contact page. Please include your username and reason you wish you cancel your account. We will try our best to respond to your request in 24-48 hours.

MapWith.Us offers a set of simple but powerful tools to create interesting, meaningful online maps. Visit the Create & Edit tab to begin making maps in only a few minutes.

6.1 How do I create a new map?

When you sign up at MapWith.Us a new map is created for you. You can rename this map and get started immediately (see 6.3 How do I rename a map?), or you can create a brand new map: Just click the Create new link from the My maps section in the top-right corner of the page and you will be taken straight to a fresh map.

Note that when you create a new map, it will initially be called "Untitled map," so be sure to rename it!

Also note that if you do not have any maps, then browsing to the Create & Edit tab will present you with a blank map. If you add any items to this blank map, a new map will be created for you automatically.

6.2 What are the menus next to the map?

Several helpful menus are made available for each map:

• About - Here you can rename a map, change its settings, set its keywords, modify its description, or delete it if you decide you no longer need it.
• Tools - This is the menu for all of your map-making tools: add items, edit them, change their visibility, or remove them.
• Items - Get a detailed list of what's visible on the map, search the entire map for certain items, and order your results in a variety of ways.
• Files - Upload, rename, and delete files, plus create and manage folders to keep things organized.

To access any of these menus, click the corresponding button on the green panel on the left-hand edge of the map.

6.3 How do I rename a map?

To rename one of your maps, open up the About menu (see 6.2 What are the menus next to the map?). If you are logged in, you will see an edit button next to the map's name. Click the edit button to rename the map.

6.4 How do I delete a map?

To delete one of your maps, open up the About menu (see 6.2 What are the menus next to the map?). If you are logged in, you will see a small Delete this map link below the Options section, just above the Keywords section.

6.5 How do I set keywords and add a description?

Open up the About menu (see 6.2 What are the menus next to the map?). If you are logged in, you will see an edit button next to the Keywords and Description sections near the bottom of the menu. Click the corresponding buttons to edit the map's keywords or description.

6.6 How do I publish a map?

Open up the About menu (see 6.2 What are the menus next to the map?). If you are logged in, you will see an Options section near the top of the menu. The first option has a link with a description of your map's publication status: is NOT published, is published, or is password protected. Click the link to change the publication setting.

Note: You need to give your map a name, set its bounds, and supply at least one keyword before the map can be published.

6.7 What are community settings?

In the About menu, if your map is published you will see a community settings link in the Options section below the map's publication setting. This option displays a menu where you can specify what community privileges you would like to grant other MapWith.Us users:

• Registered users may... - Grant access to users who have accounts on MapWith.Us.
• Anonymous users may... - Grant access to users who are not logged in.

There are various settings you can grant to registered or anonymous users:

• Add map items - The user may add new items directly to your map.
• Modify/delete map items - The user may edit or remove map items, including any added by you or other users.
• Add overlays - The user may attach or detach personal overlays (see 3.6 What are overlays?). Overlays are not available to anonymous users. You can always detach other users' overlays from your own maps.

Check or uncheck the box next to each setting to grant or revoke that privilege.

6.8 What other map settings are available?

In the About menu for maps that you own, the Options menu contains several useful settings in addition to the ones mentioned above:

• Default view is (not) set - Set the map's default view to what is currently displayed on the map surface.
• Thumbnail is (not) set - Set the map's 80x80 thumbnail (displayed in searches and map listings).
• Features (0 other views) - Add custom views to the map so you and other users can pan and zoom instantly to a specific location.
• Show (50 items) at once - Change how many items are displayed on the map (per page) by default.
• Within (all items) by default - Set the default maximum age for the items that are displayed.
• Full map searches (allowed, disallowed) - Specify whether viewers can search the entire map for items.
• Contains (0 overlays) - Detach overlays from the map, and specify which overlays are shown by default.
• Path tracing (points, trails) - Automatically trace a path between displayed map items.
• Map is (not) mobile - Choose whether this map is your mobile map.

Simply click the link for an item to change its setting.

6.9 How do I add items to a map?

Open up the Tools menu (see 6.2 What are the menus next to the map?). If you are logged in, follow these easy steps each time you want to add an item:

1. Map or overlay? - By default you add items to the map surface, but you can also add items to overlays. (See 6.x How do I add overlays?) Choose the map or an overlay from the dropdown at the top of the Tools menu. We recommend adding items to the map until you feel comfortable with the tools. You can always move your items to an overlay later on!
2. What tool? - There are seven simple tools to choose from. If you're just getting started, try the Article tool for icons or text items, or the Pics tool to create a photo album. Click the tool to select it.
3. Where on the map? - Click anywhere on the map and a selection marker will appear. This is where you will add your map item.
4. Title and details? - Once you've selected a tool, specific options appear below the toolbar. Enter a title in the space provided. Depending on the type of tool, there may be additional options for you to enter. See the questions below for each tool if you need additional help.
5. Save it! - Click the Save button at the bottom of the Tools menu to save the map item. If instead you've changed your mind, click the Cancel button, or choose a different tool from the toolbar.

When you've finished, your new item should appear on the map immediately. If the item does not appear, you may have forgotten to fill in a required field. See the answers below for each tool if you are still having trouble.

6.10 How do I use the path tool?

Path items allow you to draw simple shapes and routes on the map.

After entering a title, just click on the map to begin adding points to a path. You can manipulate the path as you draw it by clicking and dragging the square markers on each point, or add new points in the middle of the path by clicking and dragging the triangle markers on each line segment. When you like the way your path looks, click Save. The square and triangle edit markers disappear once you've closed the path tool for your new item.

Note: Very long paths can cause some slowdown during the edit process. We recommend using several small paths in lieu of a single long path.

6.11 How do I use the zoom tool?

Zoom-to items place a link on the map that instantly pans and zooms the map to a new location.

First, pan and zoom the map to the destination of the zoom-to item. Click the Take snapshot link to set the zoom-to target. A checkmark appears next to this step, indicating that it is finished.

Second, navigate to where you want to place the actual zoom-to marker link and click on the map to set your selection marker as you would when placing any map item. A check mark appears next to this step, indicating that it is finished.

Lastly, enter a title for the map. The final check mark appears for this step. Click Save to add the item to the map.

Note: These steps may be completed in any order. However, it may be difficult to complete the take-snapshot step after the set-marker step without inadvertently moving your selection marker, so we recommend following the order outlined in the tool.

6.12 How do I use the article tool?

Articles let you place text and/or an icon on the map with a detailed description and file attachments.

First enter a title, and then optionally give the item a map icon by clicking Select an icon and choosing from the list. If you choose to give your article an icon, you may hide the title on the map (displaying only the icon) by unchecking the Show title on map checkbox beneath the title.

Add any number of files to the article by clicking the Attach a file link. Pick from your uploaded files, or upload a new file to attach by clicking the Browse button.

Finally, enter a detailed description in the Body section. Click on the map to place your selection marker and then click Save to add your article to the map.

6.13 How do I use the picture tool?

Use the picture tool to add photo albums to the map.

After entering a title for your album, add any number of photos by clicking the Add a photo link. Choose from your upload pictures, or upload a new photo by clicking the Browse button. When you have added photos, you can rearrange their ordering by clicking and dragging them to a new position in the list, or remove them from the album by dragging them off the list to the right.

When you've finished adding and arranging your pictures, click on the map to place your selection marker and then click Save to add your album to the map.

6.14 How do I use the video tool?

The video tool lets you embed videos from a variety of popular community video sites.

Enter a title for your video item. Click the Select source link to choose from a list of supported video sites. (Don't see a site you want? Contact us and request it!)

Once you've selected your desired video site, simply copy and paste either the URL of the video or its embed code (available on most sites) into the Embed or URL Code section. Click on the map to place your selection marker and then click Save to add your video to the map.

6.15 How do I use the link tool?

Adding link items to the map lets you quickly view other Web sites in a new browser window.

First enter a title for your link item, then enter the address of the Web site in the URL section. Click on the map to place your selection marker and then click Save to add your link to the map.

6.16 How do I use the RSS tool?

Add an RSS feed to your map.

Enter a title for the RSS item, then enter the address of the feed in the URI section. Click on the map to place your selection marker and then click Save to add your RSS feed to the map.

6.17 How do I edit map items?

To edit a map item, simply click on the item on the map while you have the Tools menu open. Instead of viewing the item, the tool for that item will be loaded and its options will appear. Modify any settings you would like to modify and then click the Save button. Your changes will appear on the map instantly.

Note: You can also edit map items by using the edit item links in the Items menu. (See 6.11 How do I use the Items menu?) It is not currently possible to edit a path tool item without using the Items menu.

6.18 How do I delete map items?

To delete a map item, first edit it (see 6.10 How do I edit map items?). At the top of the item's edit options you will find a Delete link. Click the link to remove the item.

6.19 How do I move a map item to a new location?

To move a map item, first edit it (see 6.10 How do I edit map items?). At the top of the item's edit options you will find a Relocate link. Click anywhere on the map to place your selection marker and then click the link to move the map item to your selected location.

6.20 How do I set maximum and minimum zoom levels?

To set min/max zoom levels, first edit the item (see 6.10 How do I edit map items?). At the top of the item's edit options you will find the current maximum and minimum zoom level settings. The maximum zoom level describes how far you can zoom in (narrow your view) before the item no longer appears on the map, and the minimum zoom level describes how far you can zoom out (widen your view).

Change the zoom level settings by zooming your map in or out and clicking the set link next to the minimum or maximum zoom level. The setting will be adjusted to your current zoom level.

6.21 How do I use the Items menu?

The Items menu is a simple yet powerful way to find and edit map items. You can open the Items menu by clicking the button on the green handle next to the map.

Use any of the available options to customize your map item search:

• Keywords - Enter any desired keywords in the textbox at the top of the menu to filter your results for these keywords. (Note: Remember to separate your keywords with commas!) Remember to press enter when you have finished entering keywords.
• Match any/all terms - If you match any term, map items that match at least one keyword will be shown. When you match all terms, only map items that match every keyword will be returned.
• Search visible/all - When searching visible items, the menu only lists items that appear in the current map view, and the map itself is updated to reflect the results of your search. If you search all items, the entire map is searched, and your query does not affect the items that appear on the map itself.
• Order - Choose from a variety of orders by which to sort your map items. Note: This also affects the order in which results are paged on the map when you are searching visible items.

Your results appear immediately in the area below the search options. Note that when you are searching visible items, the paging arrows in this menu also control the paging of items on the map itself. If you switch to searching all items, the paging arrows control only the menu results.

Tip from the community: To quickly find and view an item on the map, change to Search all mode. Enter a distinctive keyword and press Enter. Find the item among your results, and click on its title to instantly pan/zoom to its location. If there are too many results near this location for you to see the item, switch to Search visible mode and your item should become easily visible in the middle of the map.

6.22 How do I use the Files menu?

The Files menu allows you to upload and rename your files as well as create and manage folders to keep your data organized.

To get started, use the buttons at the top of the menu:

• Create - Create a new folder at the top level. A directory called "New Folder" appears automatically, ready for you to move, rename, and copy files.
• Sort A - Sort your files and folders in alphabetical order.
• Sort Z - Sort your files and folders in reverse alphabetical order.
• Upload - Upload new files. Your files appear in the top level, where you may move them to any folder you wish.

To create a folder within a folder, right-click the folder in the list and select New Folder from the popup menu.

To rename or delete files or folders, right-click the folder or file in the list and choose Rename or Delete from the popup menu.

To move files or folders into another folder, click and drag the item to the destination folder. To move files or folders to the top level, drag the item to the left edge of the list: as soon as the list background turns yellow, drop the item.

6.23 How do I add overlays?

Overlays allow you to create layers of map items that can be attached to multiple maps, including maps owned by other users.

To create and manage your overlays, on the Tools menu (see 6.2 What are the menus next to the map?), click the Manage overlays link beneath the Add items dropdown at the top of the menu. If you are logged in, your overlays menu will appear.

The overlays menu has three sections:

• Overlays attached to the map - Detach, retitle, or set the category for overlays that are attached to your current map.
• Overlays not attached - Attach overlays from other maps that you would like to include on this map.
• Create new overlay on map - Create and attach a new overlay to your current map.

Newly attached overlays appear immediately in the Overlays attached section, and newly detached overlays are moved to the Overlays not attached section.

Finally, to add new map items to one of your overlays, to save an existing map item on an overlay, or to save a map item from an overlay to your map instead, use the Add items dropdown at the top of the Tools menu when adding or editing map items.

MapWith.Us Mobile is a simple program that allows you to upload photos from your cell phone straight to photo albums on a map.

7.1 What is the MapWith.Us Mobile application?

When you download MapWith.Us Mobile for your cell phone, you can take photos wherever you go and use your phone's data connection and GPS receiver to upload them on the spot to your mobile map (see 7.6 What is a mobile map?). Your uploaded photos are automatically combined into photo albums based on time and location, letting you share them within seconds in the best possible context.

7.2 What phones and networks does MapWith.Us Mobile work with?

At this time, MapWith.Us Mobile works on the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 with Sprint mobile service. We are working to bring the mobile application to other BlackBerry GPS-camera phones (such as the BlackBerry Curve 8310 with AT&T) in the near future. It is our goal to provide MapWith.Us Mobile on the widest variety of phones and networks, so stay tuned.

7.3 How do I use MapWith.Us Mobile?

Here are a few easy steps to get started:

1. Check out our mobile page.
2. Visit http://m.mapwith.us on your mobile phone using its built-in Web browsing software.
3. Download and install MapWith.Us Mobile.
4. Run the program from your phone's applications menu.
5. Navigate to the Settings screen and enter your user name and mobile key (see 7.4 Where do I get my mobile key?).
6. From the main screen, choose any of the following:
   • Take picture & location - Grab your location while you take a picture. When you return from the camera, you can upload your new photo to your new location.
   • Take picture - Just take a picture. When you return from the camera, you can upload your new photo to your most recent location.
   • Get location - Just fetch your location. Use this in conjunction with Take picture to snap several photos at the same spot.

Note: The first time you run MapWith.Us Mobile you may be asked to grant the application permission to access your phone's GPS.

7.4 Where do I get my mobile key?

To find your mobile key, log in to your account at MapWith.Us and go to your Profile page. Browse to the Settings page from the menu at the top, then access your Mobile page from the list on the right, where you will find your 8-character mobile key. (Note: Your mobile key is NOT case sensitive.) You can reset your mobile key at any time by clicking the Reset my key link.

7.5 Do I have to take pictures using the application?

This functionality is phone specific. For instance, on BlackBerry phones you can upload any of your previous photos at any time from your phone's photo browser. Simply select a photo you have taken, then choose Send to MapWith.Us from the popup menu. Note that when you select this option the mobile application will immediately use your phone's GPS to upload the photo to your current location. In the future we intend for MapWith.Us Mobile to remember and detect the locations where your photos were actually taken.

7.6 What is a mobile map?

Your mobile map is the special map where your mobile photos are automatically uploaded. You can change your mobile map at any time by navigating to one of your maps and clicking the set mobile map link in the options section of the About menu.

Note that you can have only one mobile map at a time. In the future we may let users specify multiple mobile maps, with the ability to choose one of your mobile maps directly from your cell phone, so stay tuned!