The Static Customizable Map is an element that displays a single location per map or collects multiple points within a single map. It is particularly valuable for comparing properties, generating reports with geolocation data, and more.
Static map remains the same in every generated Publication and does not depend on the Salesforce record’s data.
Required Setup
To utilize the Customizable Map, you'll need to create a Google Maps API key in your Google account and add it to the Organization settings in Composer Online. Without this key, the map will display Google Maps' default placeholder.
Structure of the Element: What It Is and How It's Configured
Core Structure
- Default state: the Customizable Map is displayed in single-point mode, meaning it shows only one location. To switch the mode, click the “Multipoint mode” toggle in the Data tab of the element. This mode enables adding multiple locations to the map.
- Automatic Zoom: The map automatically adjusts its zoom level to include all visible pins if the preset zoom does not cover the required area. Any zoom adjustments may be done once the Publication is generated.
Configurations
General map customization
- Map Type: Roadmap and Satellite
- Map Style: default, silver, night, retro
- Zoom: adjusting the map view by zooming in and out
Pin customization
- Shape: choose from drop (default), callout, circle, or square shapes.
- Size: adjustable via a slider (0–100 px; default is 40 px).
- Fill and Stroke: adjustable color panels for filling the shape and stroking.
- Hide Shape: option to hide the shape entirely, and display only pin content.
Pin Content customization
Counter
- Counter Format: number points as “1, 2, 3” (default), “A, B, C,” or “I, II, III.”
- Counter Start from Value: setting the starting value; default is "1."
- Font Settings for Counter:
○ Fonts: the list of fonts available across the app.
○ Size: adjustable via a slider (0–100 px; default is 40 px).
○ Color: adjustable panel (“black” is the default).
○ Style: normal, italic.
- Hide Pin Content: Option to hide the content entirely, and display only the pin as a shape.
Icon
- Icon from library: the selector for the default icons.
- Icon size: adjustable via a slider (0–100 px; default is 40 px).
- Icon color: adjustable panel (“white” is the default).
- Hide Pin Content: option to hide the shape entirely, and display only pin content.
Image
- Custom Image: the selector for images on the PC.
- Image size: adjustable via a slider (0–100 px; default is 40 px).
- Hide Pin Content: option to hide the shape entirely, and display only pin content.
Amenities
A map in a single-point mode displays 1 location and up to 60 amenities.
A map in multiple-point mode displays several locations on the map but does not support amenities.
Amenities are features of a property that enhance its value to potential buyers or tenants.
They can be designated in 3 ways:
- Using Google-provided groups like Attraction, Business, Shopping, etc.;
- By specifying the amenity's name directly
- By providing latitude and longitude coordinates
The selected amenity will be searched within the specified radius.
If an amenity is not found, a warning symbol will be displayed with a suggestion to search for other amenities or to adjust the search radius.
Amenity pin customization includes:
- Changing the icon by selecting from a predefined list or uploading a custom one;
- Modifying the pin's size;
- Adjusting the pin's color;
- Customizing the stroke color and width.
If an amenities group is found but should not be displayed in a specific case, it can be hidden by clicking the "eye" icon. This preserves the amenities search but makes it non-visible. By selecting or deselecting checkboxes for all or specific amenities in the list, you can control their visibility within the current search.
The "cross" icon removes the amenities search, and to reinstate it, you must restart the search.
Key Use Cases
- Property Comparisons: display multiple property locations in real estate reports.
- Reports: visual summaries of geospatial data (e.g., locations of events, resources, or facilities).
- Geospatial Analysis: compare or visualize how several points (e.g., clients, offices, or stores) are distributed geographically.
Best Practices
To maximize the effectiveness of the map in the multiple points mode, follow these recommended practices:
Best Practices for Configuration
- Pin Customization: Use distinct pin shapes, colors, or sizes to enhance clarity, especially when multiple points are nearby.
- Labeling: Choose an intuitive numbering system (e.g., 1, 2, 3) for straightforward report interpretation.
- Zoom Adjustment: Use the automatic zoom-out to ensure all pins are visible, then double-check the resolution manually in the preview.
- Placeholder Use: When designing templates, communicate placeholders to collaborators to ensure that the correct address data is included in the source.
Best Practices for Usage
- Data Validation: Prevalidate address data in the source to avoid incomplete locations and reduce manual updates during publication.
- Icon Size: Maintain a consistent ratio between the pin and icon sizes to ensure a professional, visually clean result.
Performance Optimization
- Custom Images: Avoid uploading high-resolution custom icons; the 300 KB upload limit ensures optimal performance.
- Color Contrast: Use contrasting pin and font colors to maintain readability on various map backgrounds.