The ShowMe application software is designed to be user friendly and does not require any advanced technical/computer skills. Fillable forms and upload fields are the norm with all help documentation accessible on each page.  Map administrators are able to assign other map managers and editors as required on map, category, or specific location basis.

At the heart of ShowMe’s digital map is the popular Google Maps API, a powerful and capable mapping application which has many advanced features which can be leveraged.

The ability to use custom designed map headers and logos combined with the ability to specify button colours means that each map can be designed to support your brand or stylistic objectives.

There are 16 map marker colour options and 24 categories of icons to allow a wide variety of flexibility when creating a marker set for each map. Additional icons are added regularly and there is the option for fully customized marker sets (shape/colour/icons) as a premium map feature.

The featured option allows certain map markers to stand out from others to signify that they are special in some way. Several standard icons are available to show above any location’s map marker which has been flagged as “featured”. Some icons are specific, and some are generic and if you need an option not shown please contact the ShowMe team.

A featured description field explains why a feature is important to the map and is shown on the map key. Examples would be to indicate WiFi hotspots, scenic views, public washrooms, etc.

To make the map key more visually interesting the map and category Keys can now be set to be either a “Marker Key” or an “Image Key”. In marker key mode the marker icon associated with the location is used whereas in image key mode, an image or logo associated with the location is uploaded for that purpose.

Map makers have the option of choosing to use a “Tabbed Layout” or a “Unified Layout” for the content window. In a tabbed layout the content sections are accessed from a row of tabs/buttons below the content window. Whereas in a unified layout, all content is presented in one window and the user scrolls. The advantage with a unified layout is that it eliminates extraneous whitespace in those situations where there is little content entered for a particular section.

A multi-select menu allows the map user to view multiple categories at once. This offers certain conveniences by allowing the user to see what might be in the proximity of an area of interest. For example, if you are looking for accommodations you might also be interested in nearby attractions or dining facilities etc.

The integrated map drawing tools provides several possibilities for presenting information to your map users or enhancing other map features. Lines and Shapes (polygons or rectangles) can be used to showcase things such as Routes (i.e. trails, transit, emergency, directions, etc.) and Overlays (i.e. zones, parks, real estate, special places, etc.).

One of the most useful features of a ShowMe map is allowing a user on a mobile device / phone to share their location while visiting an area. When a location is shared it places a “little blue man” on the map which follows the user as they move about. By seeing where they are in proximity to nearby locations on the map helps to encourage visitation to those places. Likewise, being able to see where they are within a park or trail is also helpful.

To expand ShowMe's value as a destination marketing tool it was important to provide the ability to showcase events as well as locations. Calendar and Map buttons allow the user to toggle between these two important views. The default view is a traditional “calendar view” when viewed on larger screens and a “list view” when viewed on mobile devices.

Users have the ability to set a start and stop publishing date and time for any location/listing. This is convenient if you only want a location to be active on a particular day and time and optionally to have it unpublished on a specified day and time.

Whether at the Map, Category, or Location level there is an option to provide various types of information to the map user. The details section allows for a written description, details image or logo, and full contact information.

When available and applicable to a location, a Google Street View™ adds further engagement and functionality to your maps. Providing your users with the ability to see a location in panoramic glory and move about using the directional arrows within Street View™.

Standard within a ShowMe map is the option to include helpful Email and website links.

The system also accepts all common social media links and generates their associated icons as links within a location listing. Others will be added as required.

Each Map, Category, or Location can also include a dedicated photo gallery of up to 16 images with thumbnails displayed in a masonry layout. Click an image opens a lightbox viewer allowing the user to view the images in a larger window. A caption option is available for each image.

Video is one of the most powerful and engaging ways to deliver your message. Depending on the nature of your map it may be advisable to create your own branded YouTube channel to embed your videos from as that will also provide additional promotional benefits outside of your ShowMe map.

In addition to Street View™ Google also provides 360^o panoramic views which can be included on your map. Whether you choose to use one or the other or both will depend on the nature of your map and the quality/relevancy of the views available.

This feature allows the map owner/administrators the ability to see a view count for locations in the map.

Any ShowMe map can be embedded within another website using a standard iFrame. It is recommended that the website allow for full screen width to make the most of ShowMe’s capabilities and improve the user experience. A premium embed option is also available.

Many clients opt to have a custom domain name associate with their map for marketing and promotional purposes. Any domain name can be accommodated and configured for your map.

There are may options available to create a unique map style to suit specific requirements or visual design objectives. From colourful to monochromatic, light to dark, retro to modern, and everything in between. Various map layers, elements, and labels can also be adjusted.  

The ability to upload a PDF document as part of the details content to be viewed, printed, and/or downloaded. Practical uses would be menus for restaurants, maps, promotional literature, etc.

In addition to being able to set various social media links associated with a particular location there is a “Custom Links” option. This allows map makers to add additional link buttons which display below any social media links. There are three standard button options “Book a Room”, “Order Tickets”, and “Reservations” as well as a custom option where users can set their own label / link.

While the built in “drawing tools” can provide a similar ability this feature provides additional capability to display complex shape overlays or those requiring advanced accuracy. Many Municipal planning departments, for example, can generate these KML or KMZ files for upload. This is particularly useful for mapping parks, trails, or specific area boundaries.

The software supports the ability to upload MP3audio files. For example, this can be used as part of a self-guided walking tour map.

When a new location is created a PDF file is automatically generated which includes key location details and images. A “View PDF” button is then available in the map menu to allow users to save or print the PDF. Whenever a change is made to a location the PDF is automatically regenerated so that it is always up-to-date.

This helpful feature allows users to select “Add to Itinerary” or “Add to Favourites” (optional) when on any location page. This keeps a running log of items accessible from the adjacent “View” button with # counter. From the view page the user can review their list, remove items if desired, and then email or print their itinerary/favourites which is branded with a custom header and map URL.

ShowMe can be just as much about showcasing “Events” as it can be about “Places”. For that purpose we created a "Graphical Events" layout option for the Events Calendar feature. This creates a more visual and enticing presentation when a key feature of you map is events focused.

A common feature request was the ability to assign a location to more than one category. This is now possible, and any location can show in as many categories as required. One of which is designated as its “primary category” which defines the map marker location.

The “Multiple Categories” option also opens up a new opportunity to introduce “Custom Groupings”. While categories have typically been groups of “like” items e.g. accommodations, dining, etc., this new feature allows map makers to “group” locations from any categories into their own unique group. Ideal for creating experiences such as Day Trips, Regions, or any other combination which makes sense for your map. A new menu item to the right of the main Categories menu presents these custom groups.

When activated this feature allows for the input of open hours for any location. This is useful for certain categories such as food and dining, entertainment, and services. An “Open Now” menu button can be toggles on or off to filter the results being viewed.

A fully customizable filter and tag system allows more advanced options for filtering the results displayed based on a user’s category selections. When activate a “Filter Results” drop-down menu item is shown with checkbox options based on your filter settings. When applied, only the map listings matching the user’s criteria are displayed.

ShowMe’s kiosk mode is designed to work with touch screens and is well suited to a Tourist Bureau / VIC environment. Using the Chrome Browser in full screen mode helps eliminate users from accessing the browser address bar directly. A reset button is provided which clears the “Itinerary” and resets the map to the map home page.

Embedding a unique Google Analytics tracking code will provide the map owner with advanced reporting on map user activity which can be valuable for planning content strategy and improving user engagement.

The premium website embed feature removes the map header and displays the map from the menu to the footer. This allows the hosting website header and branding to be used.

This option essentially provides the opportunity to have complete website functionality in addition to a seamlessly integrated ShowMe map with map URLs matching the website domain.