Places Page Layout - Think Tank

4. Being able to click on the places at right and the full place description to be displayed instead of the minimise screen info, which you now have to open each time.

I agree, having to click on a place name, then click on the minimised screen, then having to click on "open full page" is a very tedious process. Its also confusing, as the previous place page remains visible and you have to scroll down the page to find the minimise screen to open it.
regards

Alan,
Mouse zoom is easy but I turned it off on purpose as I always find that I use the wheel to scroll down the page but it my cursor hits the map is goes zoom mad. I have had a thought about install a hover intent process that will only start the mouse zoom if your cursor was over the map for say 1 sec or more but I have not yet had the time to investigate this one. Maybe in the full screen mode I can turn on the mouse wheel would that be a good start?

Default View - OK this is possible to dump in a cookie would this be based on your last used base map or should I ask each time you change the base map with a check box under the button or something?

Icon size is really tricky as there are two ways things are drawn (this is how I make the system work with some level of performance, as drawing thousands of items on the screen is difficult). I recently made some of the icons larger to show the camp, caravan parks easier as we are almost ready to release our new Accomodation Search system which boosts the largest online database of camp/caravan areas on the net with nearly 5000 already loaded. I will have a look at icon sizing again soon and see what I can do.

The minimise thingo should not need to be raised each time - are you minimising it after you click a place? I have a thought that regardless of how you click it should be maximised on the screen to provide access to the additional navigation. Both Michelle and I do not think going straight to the full details is going to work as you may have picked the wrong place on a map click. Of course the RHS click is different but and this could do it however I am trying to look for a standard one way or the other. Let me think about this some more.

We did come up with a few ideas and I need to look at implementing them and it may make things a lot easier.

Thanks guys for your feedback we do take it all in and always welcome feedback on all parts of the system so even if we have not asked (like this thread) please still send your ideas in.

David

Hi David,

Thanks for all that.
I would be happy to have the mouse zoom on full map only, as you already have to make a conscience decision to activate that, so remembering that it will become active will become second nature after a while.

I'd be happy to have the default map, as last used map - as I would generally only have it on one type of map.

With the info window, the one that can be minimised, normal or full place info - I can see why you would want that to open the normal state in the open map for the reasons you stated however agree that it is not so important for the RHS menu.

It still is a great system, a couple of years ago I was a bit dubious, however it looks like you're taking it in the right direction.

Cheers
Alan

1. Agree with Fred and Equinox in follow ups above. It was easier in an earlier version to click on the place( when it came up after typing into Search) and be in the place without having to open the full place.
2. The Search button needs to be more obvious too.
3. Some of those new campsites are in the wrong location and have duplicated pre - existing spots. Manning campsite ( off the GRR)was way out.... Warrie

I've thought of another couple (sorry if I'm a pain)

A "Back" button would be helpful, as when you use the back button in the browser it defaults to the main map. If it did go back to the previous page it would be easier to "Browse" different places.

Is it possible to have more than eight point features, it would make is easier to select place type relevant to your search?

Regards
Alan

Paul,
You have not missed it - In terms of preferences are you meaning the Base Map etc? If Base Map I have aluded to maybe stroing it in a cookie. Is thiat what you mean? Would you like it to open in the same settings as your last view or would you like to define it on a settings window?
Davd

David

Have it open at my last settings would be really good, especially when I update a place and return to do another as normally I am faced with a very full places map. I will keep poking my head in regardless, but, that would let me keep updating in the same session without too much mucking around.

If the option was to have it open up in my preferred settings every time, that would be best, but only if that is what the majority and you agree with. Sorry it took so long to respond, been at another long meeting.

Regards
Paul H