Using PheedLoops’ Map Editor to Create Interactive Maps

Note: Accessing this feature requires the Interactive Maps Module.

With PheedLoop’s Maps feature, event organizers can create floor plans for their events. This is useful to let attendees know where everything is as well as plan out where each booth, kiosk, etc. will be.

In addition, existing floor maps like in trade shows or conferences can be uploaded into the dashboard.

The maps will be visible inside of the Event Website, Event App, Application Portal and Exhibitor Portal. Visibility of these maps are toggleable for each portal so that event organizers can pick and choose where they appear. 

Step 1 - Creating New Maps 

1. From the Event Dashboard, navigate to Maps > Create New 
2. Fill out the Name field 
   1. Please note that this map name is external facing. 
3. Once you fill out all applicable information, select the Create button 

Visibility Settings 

You can set how visible a map is through the Visibility tab when you create or edit a map. These settings are important for determining where maps appear throughout the front end of an event.

1. Is visible - Disabling this option will prevent the map from being displayed anywhere outside of the dashboard. Toggle this on once the map is ready to be shown to attendees.
2. Floorplan - Toggling this option means disclaiming this map will show where the booths are for the event. This will need to be toggled on for the map to be considered a floorplan.
3. Seatplan - Toggling this option means disclaiming this map will show where all seating is located. This option is only required if you are using our seat planner tool. Please note, seatplans will not appear where floorplans are normally located and the two should not be confused with each other.
4. Show in Event Website - This makes the map available to view on the event website.
5. Show in Event Application - This makes the map available to view on the PheedLoop Go! Event App.
6. Show in Exhibitor Portal - This makes the map available to view on the Exhibitor Portal. Exhibitors will be allowed to select booths if this option is enabled. Exhibitors can select booths from the Exhibitor Portal and the Exhibitor Application as well.

These settings are all accessible through File > Properties. 

Step 2 - Importing map plans 

Now that the map is created, you will see a blank canvas where you can import any images or SVG files. Drawing the map directly in the map editor is also an option but not necessary. 

Importing an image as a map 

You could also import an image to use as a reference by selecting the Image drawing tool and fill out your map manually. This option is an alternative solution in the event an SVG files is not available. Please note this step is not the same as uploading a SVG file. 

1. From the Map Editor, navigate to Image on the left hand side 
2. Select Choose File and upload your image 
3. Select Upload Image 
4. Select the image under Select From Gallery 

The image will now appear on the map. 

Step 3 - Editing Maps 

Now that your map has been uploaded, you can now use the image as a canvas for your booths, locations, and meeting rooms. If you have uploaded an SVG file as your map then everything is likely set already. We do recommend following the steps below and double checking everything works before making the map available to the public. 

Draw your Floorplan using Shapes

Uploading an image on your map is useful for cross referencing. Draw your shapes above the uploaded image with the Rectangle or Circle tool. Please ensure you review this video to see how this works. 

Associate Shapes to Objects 

Once the shapes are set, we can associate an Object to them. Objects are a value that can be assigned to a shape. This is primarily done to distinguish between variables such as Meeting Rooms or Exhibitor Booths. 

1. From the Map Editor, select the shape you would like to associate with from the list 
   1. Make sure to select with the Cursor tool and not other tools such as text 
2. Under Objects, select Booth, Location, or Meeting Room, depending on what is required 
   1. Booth - A designated space in the map that exhibitors can reserve for the venue. 
   2. Location - This is the area where a booth is being held. Locations are tied directly with sessions by indicating the physical location in the venue. 
   3. Meeting Rooms - Individual rooms that can be used if a Booth is located indoors. This feature is only used if you are using our Meeting Booking Feature via Advanced Networking. 
3. You can either select the ID or select Create if none are added 
4. Save your progress by navigating to File and selecting Save or Save As 

Editing labels in Maps 

The Labels tab will only appear when you have already associated an item through the Objects tab. Here, you will be able to edit the size and colour for both labels and text.

1. Select the item you would like to adjust from the map
2. On the right hand menu, select Label
3. Edit the color of the label under Label Color
4. Edit the color of the text under Text Color
5. Select File > Save

Editing the Floor Plan 

If you need to edit your map after creating your floor plan, you can edit those values immediately.

When you select a preexisting map and select Edit, you will notice three tabs, File, Tools, Setting. 

File 

The File tab allows you to save and export your map. Under Properties you will be able to edit the name, description and scale of the map. You can also edit visibility settings and assign tickets provided the SeatPlan option is enabled. 

Tools 

The Tools tab allows you to import SVG files and a background image. Selecting Resize will allow you to edit the dimensions of the map in pixel measurements. 

Settings 

The Settings tab allows you to edit the grid and enable guidelines for precise placements. Selecting the Snap to grid while moving checkbox allows you to move objects by the lines of the grid, this is useful for when exact measurements are required.

Quick tip: You can select and move multiple objects at once by holding the shift key as you select. 

Drawing Tools 

Once you have created a floor map you will be able to make use of multiple drawing tools to help define your map. The tools you can use include:

1. Cursor - This drawing tool allows you to move and interact with items. If you hold the mouse button and drag, you can select multiple items at once
2. Rectangle - This drawing tool will create rectangles for your map. You can further refine these items by selecting the rectangle with the Cursor tool.
3. Circle - This drawing tool will create circles for your map. You can further refine these items by selecting the rectangle with the Cursor tool.
4. Text Box - Create words and sentences with this drawing tool. Text is editable by selecting with the Cursor tool.
5. Icons - A gallery of images offered by PheedLoop. You will be able to use these images as symbols for your map.
6. Image - Allows you to upload images from your computer. Images can be edited when selected with the Cursor tool.
7. Line - Creates a straight line between two points. Lines can be edited when selected with the Cursor tool.
8. Polygon - This feature will create lines between multiple dots plotted on your map.