The 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.
Dynamic Customizable map updates with every new record according to the user’s selection.
A Dynamic Customizable map results in a Static Customizable map in Publication, allowing for adjustment as a static element.
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 after being added to the Collection Container, meaning that every map generated from this element will reflect only one location on each newly produced map. To switch the mode, click the “Multipoint mode” toggle in the Data tab of the element. In this mode, a single map will reflect all determined locations.
- Root Collection Integration: The map in the multipoint mode can be added as a standalone collection, functioning as an independent element within a template layout (outside the Collection Container). However, the map should be added to the Collection (or Table) Container for use in single-point mode.
If a Customizable Map element is placed inside a Collection Container that hasn't been mapped to a collection yet, there is no way to specify the Salesforce object to retrieve geolocation data from.
- 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.
- PDF Format Options:
◦ In “Single PDF”: Display all pins on a single map.
◦ In “Separate PDF per record”: Display a unique map for each record, resetting pin numbers for each new map, regardless of the map’s mode selection (single or multiple points).
Configurations
General map customization
- Map Type: Roadmap and Satellite
- Map Style: default, silver, night, retro
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 should not be displayed in a particular case, it can be hidden by clicking on the "eye" icon. This way, the search for amenities is retained but made non-visible. The "cross" icon removes the amenities search, and to restore it, you need to restart the search.
Missing Address Handling
If a data source address is unavailable, the element displays the "Address is not set..." message on each not-found address tab on the map in the Publication. To fix it, open the used Salesforce records, add the latitude & longitude parameters to the Geolocation field, and regenerate the Publication.
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
- Separate PDF per Record: Ideal when individual mapping details for each record must be provided (e.g., client locations or single-property reports).
- 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.