Explanation of Symbols in Places option

down in the bottom right hand corner click on the word..... Legend

Hi Gary,
Let me investigate why this isn't obvious and I will post my answer as a Tip of the Week in the newsletter.

Thanks, MM

Gary, let me firstly explain how Places are displayed. I'd be keen to hear your thoughts on what you expect should be presented differently or if you think my suggestion at the end is suitable.

Firstly, when you actually "open" a Place - you go to a full page with all the details.
This database combines raw data as the minimum but can have additional information added by the public (photos, 1-5 star rating, review), or by our administrators (description, contact details etc).

Here's an example of a raw Place - Mount George - NT.

At the top you'll see a mountain icon. If you hover your mouse over this icon you'll see the text that describes that icon - in this case Mountain/Peak/Hill. In the Description tab - you'll see a heading "Place Type" and for this one it's listed as "Geography - Mountain/Peak/Hill.

If you click the MAP tab you'll see how this Place is presented on the map. Just the icon. However, the Place has been activated so you see the popup with its Place Name the icon for its Place Type.

Most of the icons should be pretty obvious and it's easy to quickly check by opening the full Place Page as indicated above where you can verify the type of Place in a couple of ways.

I do understand your request for a "legend" however this is related to the icons on the map and it is expected that the icon will give you the answer you need as you need it - you can click this to view a basic overview of the Place in the popup - just the name, the icon again (but not the text to confirm the Place Type) and the link to open the Place page. I guess the more you use it, the more familiar you become with it by just viewing the icons.

My guess is that rather than a legend to these icons, it might be worth just putting the text to confirm the Place type in the pop up. Would that be a useful solution to your issue do you think?

I'll have to check with David as to whether there is a "legend" for the icons used as I actually don't think there is a separate document for this, given it's meant to be intuitive. I'm also sticking my neck out suggesting the modification above - of course all subject to David's approval. So let me know your thoughts please before I take this to him.
Regards, Michelle,