Friday, November 20, 2015

How to create interactive route maps using map builder software?



Routing maps are not just useful for airlines, metros, trains, ships and other modes of transportation. Routing maps can be used for a wider range of subjects too; pathways are normally laid and used by different kinds of traveling agencies. However routing maps are not limited to traveling agencies alone. 


Map builder software has the option to create and set up a background image as the map layout structure, this option gives routing maps an endless list of subjects wherein this feature can be used. Example: Huge offices, shopping malls, hotels, resorts, amusement parks, art galleries, museums etc can place their building layout as the map background image. On the image chosen by them, pointers and markers can be placed to explain different routes and highlights of their organization. These pathways and routes can be set up on their respective websites using mapbuilder software.

In order for users to create interactive routing maps, we have listed some useful steps below. These steps are applicable to the existing templates from the world map in map builder. So let’s proceed with the basic method of creating interactive routing maps by following the steps below

>  Open a new map project.
> Select the map and location of your choice.
 > Click on edit mode.
> Select the add map curves tab and add map paths (lines) tab from the vertical toolbar.
> Click on the tab with icon T from left hand vertical menu. This will allow you to label the map.
> Click on top of the map to add the label.
> On the bottom of the page, you have a properties box wherein information can be entered and edited manually. Add the text of your choice and enter the label of your map.
> Click on the tab next to the label name to edit font. Select font and color of your choice.
> Left hand vertical tool bar has a select tab with a mouse icon on it. This tab is used to move and change positions of any content on the map, this can be done via click and drag method. This tab is used frequently while creating interactive maps.
> Click on the pin icon from overlay tabs on the left hand menu.
> This icon assists to add markers and to edit marker properties
> Click on the region of your choice to add markers.
> You can view the properties box below.
> Double Click on the marker icon and select the symbol of your choice from the list provided in the software.
> Click on the spots of your choice and update the name, height, width, label, label position, link to web address, information box etc as per your choice. This option should be used on different areas of the map, make use of different fonts and images via information box rich text editor.
> As this will enhance the beauty of your map.
> After you added markers and information.
> Click on different icons on the left hand menu to add lines or curves. Lines option will appear if you selected add map path from the right hand vertical menu. Curves option will be available if you selected add curves from the menu.
> The markers can be used as starting and ending points in the path. Click on the markers and place the curves and lines as per your choice.
> Curves or lines move according to the movement of the mouse, by right clicking the mouse the position would be aligned to it.
> This can be edited and deleted with the right click of the mouse too.
> Curves and lines colors, width, thickness, size and symbols can be edited too.
> The properties box will appear below, when you select the icon and work on the map. The required info can be edited through it.
> After you edited and added all the information of your choice, click on preview to view the final result of your interactive routing map.

You can tickle your creative nerve by using various features available to create interactive route maps. The route map can be self explanatory and visually attractive to look at, depending on the options selected by you. Therefore make the most of map builder and create the best that you can.