Google Maps

Google Maps

The member directory includes a Google Maps feature that allows you to visualize the locations of your members on a map.

Upon request, we can provide different formats of the map, customized based on member types and other criteria.

Settings

Within the MMS configuration, you have access to a few map settings:

Map Zip: This determines the center of the map. For example, entering 50216 will center the map around Panora, IA.

Map Zoom Level: This controls the initial level of zoom on the map, whether it shows street-level, city-level, and so on.

Map Accuracy Threshold: As you update member records with address information, the system uses Google's geocoder to convert addresses into latitude and longitude coordinates. The geocoder provides accuracy ratings, with 8 being the ideal rating representing address-level accuracy. (Lower ratings correspond to less precise levels like zip code or city.) You can find a full list of accuracy ratings in the member geocoding report available in the quick reports section.

Managing Member Map Locations

Periodically, it's a good idea to check if all your members are being geocoded accurately. You can do this by using the member geocoding report in the quick reports section. This report displays all your members along with their latitude, longitude, and accuracy ratings. Ratings below the threshold are highlighted.

In many cases, low accuracy is due to the presence of a PO box or misspelled street or city names in the address. You can reach out to the member to verify their address information and update it accordingly, which often resolves the issue.

Sometimes, however, the Google geocoder may struggle to recognize certain addresses. In such cases, you can try spelling out street names without abbreviations (e.g., "Road" instead of "Rd"). Additionally, if there are multiple valid addresses for the same location, you can try using an alternative address (e.g., "123 W Main" might also be "123 W. Highway 44").

If you encounter persistent difficulties, please don't hesitate to contact our support team. While we will do our best to assist you, please note that we do not have direct control over the Google software, and there may be limitations in certain cases.

Map Pins

Map pins on the Google Maps feature are usually displayed in two colors: red and blue.

Red pins indicate results listed on the current page of search results below the map.

Blue pins indicate results listed on other pages. 

When you see a blue cluster with a number inside, it means there are multiple results grouped together and cannot be shown individually at the current zoom level. To view these as separate pins, simply zoom in on the cluster.

Feel free to explore the Google Maps feature and use it to visualize your members' locations. If you have any further questions or need assistance, we're here to help.