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Eco-mmunity Map FAQs

Eco-mmunity Map

Here is the current and complete list of map FAQs

What is a map marker?

A map marker is a profile of a green-minded person, business, event, location, attraction or action point. Markers appear on the map in accordance with their real world locations. All markers are created and added to the map by users. There is no cost for creating markers. You can add as many markers to the map as you like. Anyone can search the map but only Eco-mmunity members can create markers and add them to the map. There is no cost to joining Eco-mmunity and it takes only a few moments to fill out a membership webform. To join, simply click the “add a marker button” and fill out the short membership form that pops-up and in no time, you’ll be creating markers for the map.

We welcome and encourage you to join in and begin adding markers to the Eco-mmunity map. All shades of green are welcome!

What are map marker groups? How do I use them?

Marker Groups are large groupings of markers that share a thematic elationship. Some groupings are based on Sundance Channel programs, featuring the people or companies from shows like “Big Ideas For a Small Planet,” or “Eco Biz.” Others groups represent areas of interest such as “Green Financial Advisors” or “Amnesty International.”

To open a marker group, select the green “map marker group” tab that appears below the map. The complete list of marker groups will appear in the resulting window. Simply click the round button to the left side of the group title and the map will automatically refresh and populate with all the markers of that group.

To return to the original default state of the map, click the “search map” tab below the map, and then click the grey “reset map” button and the map will return to its original state.

How do I create a map marker?

First you must be logged into your user account. If you don’t have a user account you can create one for free (see above).

Once you’ve logged in, click the yellow “+ add Marker” button on the Eco-mmunity map page. This will pop-up your “my sundancechannel” page revealing a list of all your previously created markers. From this page you can edit your existing markers, view them on the map and/or create new markers.

To create a new marker simply select the black button labeled “+ Add Placemarker,” at the top or bottom of the page. Once the page refreshes, you will have opened the “marker creation page” Select the type of marker you wish to create, (individual, business etc.) by clicking the associated entry panel. The associated marker entry form will appear.

Enter the required information in each field. Please note, that once you have entered an address into the “Marker Address” field, an image of the marker will show up in a box below the address window. This may take a moment or two. IF the resulting location is not correct, you can grab the marker and move it manually wherever you like.

NOTE: Do not include suite numbers or floors in the “marker address” field. Only enter street addresses, states and zip codes here. Once all fields are complete, click the “Update Marker >>”.

You will return to your marker creation page. Once there scroll down to the marker you’ve just entered on your list of markers (they are listed alphabetically) and click “View on map.” You will then be brought to the map and the marker will appear with the bubble open. To edit the marker go back to your list of markers click “edit” and save your changes.

How do I search the map?

There are multiple ways to search the map. When the map first opens you can click around, zoom in and open any of the markers that appear by simply clicking on them.

To get more specific, first, open the green “search the map” tab on the map homepage, which appears just below the map. Note: The map automatically defaults to this tab when first opened. Here you can search by marker type or by specific search criteria.

To search by marker type select the type of marker(s) you wish to search, by checking the box next to the marker and click the green “search” button. The map will repopulate with all of the selected marker types. To return to the original state of the map click the grey “reset map” button. You can select as many marker types in a search as you wish.

To get more specific with your search you can enter search terms into the “What and “Where” fields. Type in a persons’ name, a search term or keyword in the “What?” field and hit the green “search” button. The map will repopulate revealing all the related markers. Enter a city, state or zip in the “Where” field, and hit the green “search” button. The map will repopulate revealing all the related markers. You can also enter terms into both fields, if you want to get even more specific, localized and more narrow in your search.

You can also search by map marker groups (see above).

What are the different types of map markers?

There are four types of markers: Individuals, Business, Green Events and Attractions and Green Action Points. Individuals represent people, members of eco-mmunity who want to make a difference and begin networking with others interested in the green movement.

Business markers include green product and service providers, non-profit companies or other green infrastructural sites.

Green Action Points are either “red-flag” areas (those areas in need of change) or “blue flag” areas (places where positive change has already occured).

Green attractions or events include rallies, gatherings, conferences, exhibits, parties or places of natural beauty such as camping parks, hiking trails, pristine lakes, rock climbing walls etc.

Can I Make More Than One Marker?

You can make an unlimited amount of markers. They will all be stored under the user account you have created and will be viewable by the public.

Can I make markers for other people or organizations?

You can make markers for anyone or any company you like but you accept whatever liability there may be for the veracity of the information you enter, so be sure of your facts first. By entering a marker you are agreeing to all the terms and conditions on the marker entry page and of the sundancechannel.com website.

If you’ve created a marker for someone else you may want to contact them and let them know so that they can claim the marker and update it with more detail.

Someone else made a marker for me, how do I claim it?

Find the marker on the map with the search tool or by browsing the whole map. Click the marker icon on the map itself or in the text based “marker list” found on the left side of the map screen.

The map marker bubble will open. Scroll down to the bottom of the map marker bubble and you will see a hypertext link titled “Claim this Marker” and your request will be sent ot the map administrator. You will be contacted once your request has been registered. Please allow one or two weeks for a response from Sundance Channel.

How Do I format addresses in the “Locate Map Marker” field?

Enter only the physical address. Do not include the name of the building in this address or the suite or floor number. Example:
Plymouth Center
9999 Broadway, Suite 40
New York, NY, 10021

This address would be entered as:

9999 Broadway, New York, NY, 10021

Note that the address should all be on one line, separated by commas in the appropriate spots.

The building name and the suite can be added to the “public display address” area, and you can format this address in the standard fashion.

How many photos can I add?

You can add as many photos as you like but you can only use one per marker you create on the map. The photo upload feature is not yet available but will be ready soon.

How do the “What type of marker are you looking for?” search checkboxes work?

By checking one of these and hitting the “search map” button, you will see all the markers of that type on the map. You may select more than one of these markers if you like.

What keywords or names can I search for in the “What” box?

You can enter any word you like, but you may not get the results you are looking for the first time, so keep trying different words that relate to the marker you want.

Do I have to enter an address in the “Display Address” field?

You are not required to enter an address in this field and this is only used if you want an address to be listed to the public on the marker you have made.

What is the “Marker List” on the left side of the map page?

This list is a text version of the markers that currently appear on the map itself. You may click one of these entries to be taken directly to that marker on the map.

What does the reset map button do?

This button returns the map to its default state that is centered on North America.

How do I report a marker?

If you notice incorrect or inappropriate information on a map marker, you can report this to the map administrator for review. At the bottom right corner of each map marker bubble there is a link that says “Report”. Click this and the marker will be reported. The administrator will examine the marker and remove any markers with objectionable or incorrect content. The administrator has the right to remove any and all markers at his/her discretion and without notice.

What is the comment link?

The comment link opens up a discussion area on the Sundance Channel that corresponds to the map marker in question. This area allows for people to leave comments or hopefully to band together with other eco-mmunity members to effect green change.

How do I move around the map?

In the upper right corner of the map you will see 4 directional arrows. These arrows allow one to pan the map east, west, south and north of its current position. The plus sign allows zooming in on the center of the map while the minus sign zooms out.

You can also hold down the left mouse button on your mouse and drag the map in any direction you wish.

What does the website link do?

The website link takes you to the website of the person or organization that the map marker is a place marker for it.

NOTE: When adding a link in the marker creation process you should add a website URL and not an email address. Add emails into the contact field.

What if a link in a marker doesn’t work?

You should report this incorrect link using the report tool accessed through the bottom right corner of any map markers details screen.

How do I choose keywords for my new place marker?

In order for people to find your marker, you will need to have a comprehensive list of keywords. You should put every word that bears any relation to the marker you have entered. If you are making a “business marker” for “Sal’s Organic Pizza Joint” in Chicago, then your list of keywords may look like:

pizza, food, restaurant, delivery, Italian, easy, quick, fast, pepperoni, organic, Chicago, Illinois, mushroom, cheese

Note that the list contains one space after each comma. It is very important that you enter as many applicable keywords as possible as this will make your map marker easier to find. Also note that you should include the city and state of the marker in the keyword list.

What Does The “Get Link” Do?

Inside of the details for each marker there is a link in the upper right corner that says “Get Link”. Clicking this button will give you a url that you can paste into emails, webpages or anywhere on the net where you want to point people to this map marker. It is a very handy tool for making the map easily accessible to new users.