Tutorials

What is Pinmaps.net?

Pinmaps.net is a cloud based mapping software that allows you to pin multiple locations.
Once you understand the basics of how the system works it is a breeze to use the service.

What is "My Maps" section

The 'My Maps' section is where you save your maps and is private and can only be viewed by you and the people whom you share your maps with. This is where you can create maps and pins.

How does it work?

Before you can get the most benefit out of the service is important to understand the definition of the two main entities: Maps and Map Points.
They have a one-to-many relationship: a map can contain many map points.
The map is a container for your map points (pins)
A map is a large area such as a city, a state, or a country.
A map point is a location on the map such as an address, or a landmark that is physically represented by an icon or marker.
All the controls you need to create, edit, and delete maps and map points are located on the tool bar that is right above the map and on the map itself.

What is the map tool-bar?

Located right above the map the tool-bar contains the buttons to interact with the map. Some of the tool bar controls are hidden and visible upon user interaction with the map.
 

TUTORIALS

 

How to create a map

Before you can add map points the you need to create a map first.

  • Click the link 'New Map' on the tool bar.
  • Enter a Name for your map.
  • Set the Map Type. (Map, Satellite, Hybrid or Terrain)
  • Click the Save button.

informationThe number of maps you can create depends on your pricing plan.

tip
The "Fit To Bounds" option will center and zoom the map optimally so that all overlays are visible at once glance.
 

How to edit a map

You can edit your map only when the background color of the tool bar is gray.

  • Click the link 'Edit Map' on the tool bar.
  • Change the map's Name and other Settings if you need to.
  • Click the Save button.
tip
Click the 'Refresh Map' button on the map to see the 'Edit Map' link on the tool bar
 

How to delete a map

Deleting a map will also delete all the pins, notes, and any other data that is related to the map.

  • Click the Refresh Map' button on the map to enter map mode if needed.
  • Click the link 'Delete Map' on the tool bar.
  • Click the Yes button on the confirmation pop up window.
  • After you click the yes button you cannot undo the operation.
tip
Be very cautious because once a map is deleted it cannot be recuperated

How to share a map

sharing permissions information
options modal information

Map Sharing Features:

  • Once you share a map a personal link will be created.
  • Non Pinmaps.net registered users can add pins to your map if you select the option "Allow non-account holders to add pins" otherwise they would have to create a free Pinmaps.net account in order to add pins.
  • You can password protect your map if you need to.
  • Only the Pinmaps.net account holder can edit or delete the shared map.
  • You can stop sharing the map at any time and the map will become private again.

informationThis functionality is not available on the free version.

tip
It is worth notice that is possible a search engine might find the link to your map if you post it on the Web or Social Media.
 

BULK ADD PINS
Option 1) The address field is in MORE THAN ONE column
If you just want to map Zip Codes, or Cities or States use Option 2
If you have the coordinates use Option 3
Note: The "Bulk Add" functionality has a use limit of 25 times per day

sample screenshot information
Accepted file formats: Excel or CSV (.xls, xlsx, .csv)
Your data file must have column headings.
Do not leave empty rows before the column headings.
The column names are case sensitive; otherwise the process will fail.
Column Name:
  • address * Field used for Geocoding the location
  • city Any City in the world
  • state Field used in the few Countries that have States
  • country Any Country in the world
  • postal_code Field used in the Countries that have Postal Codes
  • name Map Point name. Minimum 3 characters. If name is not available address will be used instead
  • icon An ID that will reference what icon will be use for the pin. See link to list below
  • information Information about your pin. The text will displayed on the info window
  • website An external link related to the map point
  • label A short text (25 chars max) that will be displayed under the pin
  • label_visible TRUE or FALSE. Toggle the label's visibility
  • * Required column

Resources:
tip
You don't need to have the full address.
If the data you want to map is Zip Codes, or Cities or States, put them in the address column.
 

BULK ADD PINS
Option 2) The address field is in ONE column
Or if you just want to map Zip Codes, or Cities or States put it/them in the address column
If you have the coordinates use Option 3
Note: The "Bulk Add" functionality has a use limit of 25 times per day

sample screenshot information
Accepted file formats: Excel or CSV (.xls, xlsx, .csv)
Your data file must have column headings.
Do not leave empty rows before the column headings.
The column names are case sensitive; otherwise the process will fail.
Column Name:
  • address * Field used for Geocoding the location
  • name Map Point name. Minimum 3 characters. If name is not available address will be used instead
  • icon An ID that will reference what icon will be use for the pin. See link to list below
  • information Information about your pin. The text will displayed on the info window
  • website An external link related to the map point
  • label A short text (25 chars max) that will be displayed under the pin
  • label_visible TRUE or FALSE. Toggle the label's visibility
  • * Required column

Resources:
tip
You don't need to have the full address.
If the data you want to map is Zip Codes, or Cities or States, put them in the address column.
 

BULK ADD PINS
Option 3) You have valid coordinates available (latitude and longitude); Not in degrees
Note: The "Bulk Add" functionality has a use limit of 25 times per day

sample screenshot information
Accepted file formats: Excel or CSV (.xls, xlsx, .csv)
Your data file must have column headings.
Do not leave empty rows before the column headings.
The column names are case sensitive; otherwise the process will fail.
Column Name:
  • lat and lng * Field used for Geocoding the location
  • name Map Point name. Minimum 3 characters. If name is not available lat,lng will be used instead
  • icon An ID that will reference what icon will be use for the pin. See link to list below
  • information Information about your pin. The text will displayed on the info window
  • website An external link related to the map point
  • label A short text (25 chars max) that will be displayed under the pin
  • label_visible TRUE or FALSE. Toggle the label's visibility
  • * Required column

Resources:
tip
You don't need to have the full address.
If the data you want to map is Zip Codes, or Cities or States, put them in the address column.

How to add a custom map legend

map legend editor information
map legend box information
map legend toggle information
button to open the map legend modal information

Custom Map Features:

  • The Legend title field is optional and can hold up to a maximum of 30 characters.
  • On the editor you can add text in different colors, links and more. The text field can hold up to a maximum of 4000 characters.
  • The display dimensions are: Small (w:250px - h:300px), Medium (w:275px - h:400px) and Large (w:300px - h:500px).
  • The Show on Shared Map Only option means that if the box is selected it will only show the legend box for visitors to a shared map. Otherwise it will be displayed all the time..
  • You can toggle the visibility of the box from an icon button located to the right hand side of the map counter that is above the maps drop down box.
  • NOTE: This functionality is only available from the Regular paid plan and up.

informationThis functionality is only available from the Regular paid plan and up.

tip
This functionality uses a text editor where you can add links and YouTube videos.
 

How to add a map point

After you have created a map, your are ready to add map points to it.
You can add a map point by three different ways:

  1. Using the mouse
  2. Searching by address
  3. Searching by latitude/longitude
1. Searching the map using the mouse:
  • Drag the map with your mouse and zoom to the location using the Zoom Navigation Control or the Drag Zoom control.
  • Then click the 'Add Pin' link and then click anywhere on the map (this will be the center of your map.)
  • Click the 'Quick Save' link or the 'Save Map Point' link for advanced options on the message bubble.
  • Customize your settings on the 'Add Map Point' pop up window.
  • Click the Save button.
2. Searching the map by Address:
  • Click the link 'Search by Address'.
  • Type in the address you want to search.
  • Click the link 'Save Map Point' on the (Info Window) bubble box.
  • Customize your settings on the 'Add Map Point' pop up window.
  • Click the Save button.
3. Searching the map by Latitude/Longitude:
  • Click the link 'Show Search by Lat Lng'.
  • If you know the Lat/Lng of the map point you are searching type them in the text boxes.
  • Click the link 'Save Map Point' on bubble message.
  • Customize your settings on the 'Add Map Point' pop up window.
  • Click the Save button.

informationThe number of pins you can add per map depends on your pricing plan.

tip
You can only add pins clicking on the map once you click the 'Add Pin' on the tool bar. You have about 10 seconds to click the map.
 

How to edit a map point

You can edit a map point any time you want.
You can edit a map point by two different ways:

  1. On 'My Maps' page
  2. On the 'Settings' -> 'Map Points' page
1. Edit a map point on My Maps page:
  • Select a map point from the list box on the right.
  • Drag de icon or marker to it's new location.
  • Click the link 'Edit Map Point' on the tool bar.
  • Change the settings you want on the 'Edit Map Point' pop up window.
  • Click the Save button.
2. Edit a map point on the Settings -> Map Points page:
  • Go to 'Settings'.
  • Click the 'Map Points' link on the left menu.
  • Click the 'Edit Map' link.
  • Change the settings you want on the 'Edit Map Point' pop up window.
  • Click the Save button.
  • You can also use the 'Quick Edit' function to change some settings.

informationMap Points can only edited by the map owner or the pin owner.

tip
After you drag the icon to its new location make sure you click the 'Save' button on the 'Edit Map Point' pop up window.
 

How to delete a map point

You can delete a map point any time you want.
You can delete a map point by two different ways:

  1. On 'My Maps' page
  2. On the 'Dashboard' -> 'Map Points' page
1. Delete a map point on My Maps page:
  • Select a map point from the list box on the right.
  • Click the link 'Delete Map Point' on the tool bar.
  • Click the Yes button on the confirmation pop up window.
2. Delete a map point on the Settings -> Map Points page:
  • Go to 'Settings'
  • Click the 'Map Points' link on the left menu.
  • Click the 'Delete' link.
  • Click the OK button on the confirmation pop up window.

informationMap Points can only deleted by the map owner or the pin owner.

tip
Once you have removed an icon from the map the operation cannot be undo.

Lasso Tool

lasso how to message information
lasso on the map information

Lasso Tool Features:

  • Allows you to draw a custom free form selection outline overlay on the map

informationThis functionality is not available on the free version.

tip
This tool is perfect for presentations where you need to highlight an area on the map.

Multipoint Directions with Waypoints

waypoints how to message information
waypoints editor information
waypoints on the map information
detailed directions on the side panel information

Multipoint Directions Features:

  • Easily sort the route waypoints using drag and drop
  • Fetch directions for a route including waypoints
  • The system will optimize the waypoints by rearranging them in a more efficient order.
  • Show a segment summary for each leg of the route that includes distance and duration
  • Display detailed directions on the side panel
  • Save the directions in kilometers or miles

Waypoints limits:

  • Regular paid plan: 10 waypoints
  • Plus paid plan: 15 waypoints
  • Premium paid plan: 20 waypoints

informationThis functionality is NOT available in the Starter paid plan.

tip
Waypoints optimization is a Routes Preferred feature that optimizes the order of the intermediate waypoints in a traveler's route, ensuring that they travel the most efficient route possible.

How save your map as PDF or Image file

sample screenshot information

PDF and Image Converter Features:

  • 14 different page size to chose for the PDF converter.
  • You can password protect the PDF file.
  • Portrait and Landscape page orientation available.
  • Image dimensions range from 1800px X 1200px to 4200px Width X 3300px Height.
  • JPG and PNG image formats available.

informationThis functionality is not available on the free version.

tip
Due to each computer monitor resolution the converted map will not look the same size as what you see on the screen.

DRAWING TOOLS

You can add shapes to the map to designate points, lines, areas, or collections of objects. these objects are also called overlays. Overlays are tied to latitude/longitude coordinates, so they move when you drag or zoom the map.

informationThe number of overlays you can add to your map depends on your pricing plan.

tip
When you add, edit or delete overlays from the map always remember to click the save button if you want them to stick next time you load the map.
There are several types of overlays such as: Polylines, Polygons, Rectangles and Circles.
NOTE: Only the Regular, Plus and Premium paid plans the drawing tools such as Polylines, Rectangles and Circles include distance.
sample screenshot drawing distance
 

1. Polylines:

A Polylines is a linear overlay of connected line segments on the map. To draw a line on your map, use a polyline. The Polylines shape defines a linear overlay of connected line segments on the map.

Add Polylines

  • polyline

  • Select the polyline shape from the 'Drawing Tools' located on the left top side of the map.
  • Select a color from the "color palette".
  • Click on the map where you want to start to draw the polyline and double click the last dot where you want to end the polyline.
  • The Polyline will be automatically saved.

Edit Polylines

  • Click anywhere on an existing polyline and drag one of the dots to a new location.
  • If you want to change the color, select a color from the "color palette".

Delete Polylines

  • Click anywhere on an existing polyline.
  • Click the Delete button on the tool bar.
 

2. Polygons:

A Polygon represents an area enclosed by a closed path. Polygon objects are similar to Polylines objects in that they consist of a series of coordinates in an ordered sequence. Polygons are drawn with a stroke and a fill.

Add Polygons

  • polyline

  • Select the polygon shape from the 'Drawing Tools' located on the left top side of the map.
  • Select a color from the "color palette".
  • Click on the map where you want to start to draw the polygon and double click the last dot where you want to end the polygon. If you have at least three dots then the last dot will automatically close the loop. You can also close the loop clicking on the first dot.
  • The Polygon will be automatically saved.

Edit Polygons

  • Click anywhere inside an existing polygon and drag any dot to a new location.
  • If you want to change the color, select a color from the "color palette".

Delete Polygons

  • Click anywhere inside an existing polygon.
  • Click the Delete button on the tool bar.
 

3. Rectangles:

A Rectangle is similar to a Polygon in that you can define custom colors, weights, and opacity for the edge of the rectangle. Unlike a Polygon, you do not define paths for a Rectangle. Instead, a rectangle has a bounds property which defines its shape.

Add Rectangles

  • polyline

  • Select the rectangle shape from the 'Drawing Tools' located on the left top side of the map.
  • Select a color from the "color palette".
  • Click anywhere on the map where you want to start to draw the rectangle. Click again where you want to end the rectangle.
  • You can drag any dot in order to increase or decrease the size of the rectangle.
  • The Rectangle will be automatically saved.

Edit Rectangles

  • Click anywhere inside an existing rectangle and drag any dot to a new location.
  • If you want to change the color, select a color from the "color palette".
  • You can drag any dot in order to increase or decrease the size of the rectangle.

Delete Rectangles

  • Click anywhere inside an existing rectangle.
  • Click the Delete button on the tool bar.
 

4. Circles:

Unlike a Polygon, you do not define paths for a Circle. Instead, a circle has two additional properties which define its shape: center specifies the Lat\Lng of the center of the circle. And the radius specifies the radius of the circle, in meters.

Add Circles

  • polyline

  • Select the circle shape from the 'Drawing Tools' located on the left top side of the map.
  • Select a color from the "color palette".
  • Click anywhere on the map where you want to start to draw the circle. Click again where you want to end the circle.
  • You can drag any outer dot in order to increase or decrease the size of the circle.
  • The Circle will be automatically saved.

Edit Circles

  • Click anywhere inside an existing circle and drag the dot in the center to a new location.
  • If you want to change the color, select a color from the "color palette".
  • You can drag any outer dot in order to increase or decrease the size of the circle.

Delete Circles

  • Click anywhere inside an existing circle.
  • Click the Delete button on the tool bar.
 

Enable or disable pin (markers) clusters

Markers clusters are very useful to group several map pins into one icon.
Loading time will also improve specially when you have lots of map pins
and the map will look cleaner.

  • Click the blue 'cluster' icon located on top right side of the map point list panel.
  • Switch the On/Off slider to group or un-group several nearby map pins.
  • Click the Save button.

Other settings:

  • Grid Size: The grid size of a cluster in pixels. The grid is a square. The default value is 60.
  • Max Zoom: The maximum zoom level at which clustering is enabled or null if clustering is to be enabled at all zoom levels. The default value is 21.
  • Average Center: Whether the position of a cluster marker should be the average position of all markers in the cluster. If set to false, the cluster marker is positioned at the location of the first marker added to the cluster. The default value is false.
  • Minimum Cluster Size: The minimum number of markers needed in a cluster before the markers are hidden and a cluster marker appears. The default value is 2.
  • Zoom On Click: Whether to zoom the map when a cluster marker is clicked. You may want to set this to false if you have installed a handler for the click event and it deals with zooming on its own. The default value is true.
tip
Markers "cluster" functionality is very useful to manage large amounts of markers.

Adding a logo to your map has been a feature available for many months, but now we have made the process a little easier. Intuitive easy to use drag and drop interface.

  • Click the logo icon located right above the map list drop down box.
  • Drag an image to upload to the upload area.
  • Crop the image to the required size. The dimensions of your logo cannot be larger than 260px width by 70px height.
  • To save the logo, click Keep Logo or Start Again.
  • If you need to delete the logo click the logo icon and then click the remove logo link.

informationThis functionality is not available on the free version.

tip
If your browse does not support "drag and drop" you can use the previous page from your dashboard to upload a logo.
 

Fit the map to the pins bounds or keep it in the same location

When the "Fit To Bounds" option is turned on, the map will center and zoom optimally so that all the pins are visible at once glance.

If you want to keep your map fixed or stick in the same area, turn off "Fit to Bounds". A button with the text "Stick Map" will be available at the top of the map.

Stick map button screenshot information
tip
Click on the map and drag it to the region you want, zoom in or zoom out and click the "Stick Map" button. The map will stick on that location. Use the button as needed it. If you select one of the map points from the side panel, the map will go to that location. Click the "Load" button to go back to the saved map view.
 

How to filter maps shown on the map widget

If you would like to add more maps, but don't want to allow the visitors to the page where you display the map widget you can hide them from the list.

  • Click the dashboard link from the menu with the blue background located at the top of the "my maps" page.
  • Click the Maps on Widget link from the left menu.
  • Drag the map title block to the "Hide" or "Show" column.
  • That's all. The show/hide status is saved automatically.

informationThis functionality is not available on the free version.

 

Toggle pin labels visibility

This functionality is specially useful for maps with lost of pins and labels.

  • The button icon is located next for a group of icons on the right site of the map count.
  • When the icon is green it means there are labels, but they are hidden. Click the icon to show the labels.
  • When the icon is red it means there labels are visible on the map. Click the icon to hide the labels.
  • If no icon is present it means there are no labels on any of the pins available on the map.