Adding to the Escape Owners Map

[rjbny]

There are instructions on the owners map that say "click on the small pin icon under the search bar". Unfortunately, I don't see a small pin icon anywhere on the map. Any ideas?

"To add a new marker, click on the small pin icon under the search bar (if you hover your mouse over it, it will say "Add marker"). Position the crosshair where you want the new marker, then click your mouse button (you may want to zoom the map in before you attempt to add your marker as it will make precise placement much easier). Replace the "Point XXX" text with your name, and put whatever you like in the description - most people put the year, model, and name of their trailer. In the Model field, put in one of the above choices - NOTHING ELSE."

[Brian B-P]

The instructions were written some time ago. They were correct, but they assume that a toolbar (with buttons including the one for a pin) will be visible. Two things have happened to the map since then:

1. it now looks different, perhaps just due to a change in the Google program used to maintain it, and
2. the map no longer has the editing toolbar showing.

I can only guess that someone who was editing the map made it no longer editable by anyone else. This sort of corruption (as well as the nearly random symbols now used for some pins) is why one person administered the map for a while; however, no one volunteered to take over, so now it is a free-for-all.

[jking1224]

Not quite true. I have volunteered to manage editing the owners map.

A month or two ago, it was actually broken, not displaying anything. So I spoke up to help. As part of that, I did delete several routes that had been created, layers, etc that probably were why it was not displaying. I also removed the public ability to edit the map, since that is how these various new layers were likely created.

Anyhow, I will continue to support the map. But we have two choices:
1. Allow public editing, which will break it from time to time.
2. funnel all "requests" through a thread or PM messages.

Please discuss.

In the mean time, if the original poster would send me your details via PM, I'll add you on.

[dfandrews]

Just my 2 cents: Choice #2 is the way to go.
If you want to be on the map, or need your info edited, PM Jeff (jking1224), our trusty volunteer map manager.
Moderators: perhaps if you change the title to "2017 - adding to the Escape Owners map", or something similar, then the correct thread can be found more easily.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

Moderators: perhaps if you change the title to "2017 - adding to the Escape Owners map", or something similar, then the correct thread can be found more easily.

Then, we'd need to change it for 2018, 2019, etc. Searching for "owners map," get's it done, even if you get multiple hits. YMMV

[jking1224]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

If you want to be on the map, or need your info edited, PM Jeff (jking1224), our trusty volunteer map manager.

Good idea. We can discuss further, but in the mean time, I edited the description to send me a PM.

[cpaharley2008]

So, to be clear now, to modify the map, contact jking1224 for assistance. I'll sticky this thread then and changes will be posted here.....

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by jking1224

Good idea. We can discuss further, but in the mean time, I edited the description to send me a PM.

Also with Don on #2 . When left to our own on the map . It has in the past become a mess . Pat

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by jking1224

I have volunteered to manage editing the owners map.

A month or two ago, it was actually broken, not displaying anything. So I spoke up to help. As part of that, I did delete several routes that had been created, layers, etc that probably were why it was not displaying. I also removed the public ability to edit the map, since that is how these various new layers were likely created.

Great - thanks

Obviously, not allowing public access while also not telling users how to request an edit was the combination which can't work.

It's not reasonable to expect people to know to search for an instruction thread, and many people will not find the "details" item in the map menu. The forum page showing the map, or the map itself, should ideally display that information.

[jking1224]

The map is on a separate page that doesn't seem to be a "forum" post, but rather a special menu page. Who has the ability to edit that page?

Can we add a message as a text block underneath the map? Something like:

The map above shows the location of owners of Escape Trailers.
You can click the link just below the map "View Escape Trailers in a larger map"
to see better detail.
If you would like to be added to the map, read the instructions contained
in the "more" button on the larger map.

[jking1224]

And...reading various posts about owners buying new, that is "upgrading", go to the map, check out your current pin, if it needs updating, you can also PM me.
-Jeff.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by jking1224

The map is on a separate page that doesn't seem to be a "forum" post, but rather a special menu page. Who has the ability to edit that page?

My guess is that a moderator would not be able to change this, but an administrator would. It would probably work to use the form on the Contact Us page.

[Donna D.]

A moderator can edit a page, what we can't edit is the software used by Google Maps.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

A moderator can edit a page, what we can't edit is the software used by Google Maps.

Ah, good... then you're set.

Of course no one outside of Google can change their software, but fortunately no one needs to. Jeff is only suggesting additional text on
Home - Escape Owners Map
but I think it would make more sense to replace the current

View <a href="https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=z9l1wJ_TQtsY.kR4VC3Z7DAR8" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Escape Trailers</a> in a larger map

with a longer block of text including the additional information.

[jking1224]

I haven’t been here a long time, but the map page was broken recently. Once I went in and deleted some extra layers and routes that had been created, the map page worked fine again. So, I am guessing that using Google maps is basically fine solution, just have to keep the map data clean. Which is accomplished by dis-allowing editing by just anyone.

[jamman]

PM jking1224 for updates to the map.

[marant]

jking1224


I sent you a pm.

[marant]

So far I have not been successful in getting my location posted on the map. I sent JKing a pm, but no response. Is he/she still helping with it?
Is there an alternative method?

[cpaharley2008]

I thought anyone who had access to Google maps could update?

[Dee08802]

I believe Jking is the only one who can now update the map. He added us about three weeks ago and got back to us with a confirmation.

Ken