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 directory is a powerful database and the Google Maps API.  Together they create a highly capable digital directory / mapping application which has many advanced features which can be leveraged.

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

There are 16 standard map marker colour options and 24 categories of icons to allow a wide variety of flexibility when creating a marker set for each directory. 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 directory listings to stand out from others to signify that they are special in some way. Several standard icons are available to show above any listings'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 directory and is shown on the digital directory key. Examples would be to indicate WiFi hotspots, scenic views, public washrooms, etc.

To make the directory key more visually interesting, 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 listing is used whereas in image key mode, an image or logo associated with the listing is uploaded for that purpose.

Directories 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 or listing.

A multi-select menu allows the directory 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 directory 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.).

A more robust solution is available using the optional KML/KMZ upload feature which allows exacting detail for overlays and lines, zoning delineations, etc.

One of the most useful features of a ShowMe directory 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 “blue man” on the map which follows the user as they move about. 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 digital directory and destination marketing tool it was important to provide the ability to showcase events as well as listings and locations. Calendar and Directory 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.

System Admins 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 listing to be active on a particular day and time and optionally to have it unpublished on a specified day and time.

Whether at the Directory, Category, or Listing 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 listing/location, a Google Street View™ adds further engagement and functionality to your digital directory. 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 the ShowMe application 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 listing. Others can be added as required.

Each Directory, Category, or Listing can also include a dedicated photo gallery of up to 16 images with thumbnails displayed in a masonry layout. Clicking 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 directory it may be advisable to create your own branded YouTube channel to embed your videos.  Doing so will also provide additional promotional benefits outside of your ShowMe directory.

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

Tools are also available to upload your own 360 views to integrate with Google Street View™.

This feature allows the directory owner/administrators the ability to see a view count for locations in the map.  More detailed analytics are available by including custom Google Analytics tracking code.

Any ShowMe digital directory 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 associated 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.  

This feature provides the ability to upload a PDF document as part of the details content to be viewed, printed, and/or downloaded. Practical uses would be catalogues, menus, 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 four standard button options: Shop Online, Book a Room, Order Tickets, and Reservations.  Custom options are available where admins can set their own label / link.

When a new listing is created a PDF file is automatically generated which includes key location details and images. A “View PDF” button is then available in the directory menu to allow users to save or print the PDF. Whenever a change is made to a listing 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 viewing any listing/location. 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 directory URL.

ShowMe can be just as much about showcasing “Events” as it can be about “Listings”. 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 directory is events focused.

A common feature request was the ability to assign a listing/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 provides opportunities to introduce “Custom Groupings”. While categories have typically been groups of “like” items e.g. accommodations, dining, etc., this new feature allows directory admins the ability to “group” listings from different categories into their own unique group. Ideal for creating experiences such as Day Trips, Regions, or any other combination which makes sense for your directory. A new menu item is shown to present these custom groups.

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

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

While the digital directory can support a wide variety of content, it does not have the full capabilities of a more robust CMS website. Such platforms offer thousands of “plugins” and “extensions” to further a website’s capabilities and deepen the audience engagement.

Essentially, any feature of a modern web presence can be leveraged to augment and support the ShowMe digital directory and map, resulting in a highly capable, state-of-the-art website.

When utilizing WordPress as the website platform the opportunity also exists to integrate a multi-vendor eCommerce marketplace. This provides the ability to aggregate products from within a given geographic region or niche while giving consumers the convenience of a single online shop and checkout/payment system. Popular considerations would be works from artists and artisans or other locally produced products but realistically the store offerings could be anything which can be sold online.

Each vendor would have their own independent “online shop” within the eCommerce marketplace focusing solely on their goods while also adding those goods to the shop-wide category system for greater promotional exposure and ordering.

Orders are processed with each vendor being responsible for shipping and fulfillment (unless a cooperative shipping solution is also established by the marketplace operator).

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, zoning, or specific area boundaries.

When activated this feature allows for the input of open hours for any listing. This is useful for certain categories such as food and dining, entertainment, and services. An “Open Now” menu button can be toggled 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 activated a “Filter Results” drop-down menu item is shown with checkbox options based on your directory’s filter settings. When applied, only the directory 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 or any location which would benefit from having the directory and map accessible to the public. 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 any previous user’s Itinerary or favourites and resets the directory to the home page.

Using KML/KMZ files with address lookup functionality to quickly identify the zoning for any property. Example at https://www.bridgewater.ca/zoning.

Another innovative use of the ShowMe platform is a transit tracking app which leverages a simple Android phone to broadcast a bus location in real time. Scalable to any number of buses or vehicles. Example at: https://www.bridgewater.ca/bus.

The ShowMe application can also be used to create interactive self-guided walking tours including a progressive web app version installable on mobile devices. Example at https://tours.queenscoast.ca/.