User Guide

    GeoDataMapper

    User Guide

    Comprehensive Guide to GIS Mapping Platform

    Version 1.0

    9/6/2026

    geodatamapper.com

    Table of Contents

    1. Introduction & Getting Started

    1.1 What is GeoDataMapper?

    1.2 Who Should Use This Platform?

    1.3 System Requirements

    1.4 Creating an Account

    2. Main Interface Overview

    2.1 Navigation Bar

    2.2 Map Interface Controls

    2.3 Theme Switching

    3. Core Map Features

    3.1 Map Styles

    3.2 Search Functionality

    3.3 Adding Data Points

    3.4 Map Controls

    3.5 Data Filters

    4. Collections Feature

    5. Property Management

    6. Shapefile Viewer

    7. Industry-Specific Features

    8. Social Features

    9. AI Assistant

    10. Subscription & Pricing

    11. Account Management

    12. Mobile Guide

    13. Troubleshooting

    1. Introduction & Getting Started

    1.1 What is GeoDataMapper?

    GeoDataMapper is a powerful, cloud-based Geographic Information System (GIS) platform designed to help professionals and organizations visualize, analyze, and share geospatial data. Built with modern web technologies, it provides an intuitive interface for working with maps, location data, and spatial analysis.

    Key Features:

    • Interactive mapping with multiple map styles (Satellite, Streets, 3D Terrain)
    • Advanced search with coordinate support
    • Data point management and organization
    • Shapefile import and visualization
    • Industry-specific modules (Real Estate, Urban Planning, Field Services)
    • Social collaboration features
    • AI-powered location analysis
    • Mobile-optimized interface

    1.2 Who Should Use This Platform?

    Real Estate Professionals

    Track properties, analyze market trends, manage portfolios, and calculate ROI.

    Urban Planners

    Plan development projects, analyze zoning, and engage with communities.

    Field Service Teams

    Optimize routes, manage territories, and coordinate workforce activities.

    GIS Analysts

    Import shapefiles, perform spatial analysis, and create custom visualizations.

    Researchers & Educators

    Collect field data, collaborate with teams, and visualize research findings.

    1.3 System Requirements

    Supported Browsers

    • Google Chrome (recommended, version 90+)
    • Mozilla Firefox (version 88+)
    • Safari (version 14+)
    • Microsoft Edge (version 90+)

    Internet Connection

    Stable broadband connection (minimum 5 Mbps recommended)

    Screen Resolution

    Minimum 1024x768, optimized for 1920x1080 and higher

    Mobile Devices

    iOS 14+ or Android 10+ with modern browser

    1.4 Creating an Account

    1. Visit the Website

      Navigate to geodatamapper.com

    2. Click "Sign In" or "Get Started"

      Located in the top-right corner of the navigation bar

    3. Choose Sign Up Method
      • Email and password
      • Google authentication
    4. Verify Your Email

      Check your inbox for a verification email and click the confirmation link

    5. Complete Your Profile

      Add profile picture, bio, and contact information (optional)

    6. Choose a Subscription Plan

      Start with the free tier or upgrade to access premium features

    2. Main Interface Overview

    2.1 Navigation Bar

    The top navigation bar provides access to all main features:

    Logo/Home

    Click the GPS logo to return to the home page at any time

    Search Bar

    Search for places, addresses, or coordinates with auto-suggestions

    Map Style

    Dropdown to switch between different map visualizations

    Features

    Access to Shapefile viewer, Real Estate, Urban Planning, Field Services, Social Feed, AI Assistant

    User Menu

    Profile, properties, subscriptions, settings, and logout

    Theme

    Toggle between light and dark mode

    2.2 Map Interface Controls

    Map Interaction

    • Pan: Click and drag to move the map
    • Zoom: Use mouse wheel or pinch gesture on mobile
    • Rotate: Right-click and drag (or two-finger drag on mobile)
    • Tilt: Hold Ctrl + drag (3D terrain mode only)

    Control Buttons

    • Zoom In/Out: Plus and minus buttons
    • Locate Me: Centers map on your current location
    • Fullscreen: Expands map to full screen
    • Compass: Resets map orientation to north

    2.3 Theme Switching

    GeoDataMapper supports both light and dark themes for comfortable viewing in different environments.

    1. Locate the sun/moon icon in the navigation bar
    2. Click to toggle between light and dark modes
    3. Your preference is automatically saved

    Tip: Dark mode is recommended for nighttime use and reduces eye strain in low-light conditions.

    3. Core Map Features

    3.1 Map Styles

    Choose from six different map styles to suit your needs:

    Satellite

    High-resolution aerial imagery, perfect for property assessment and terrain analysis

    Streets

    Standard street map with labels, roads, and points of interest

    Dark

    Dark-themed street map, ideal for low-light environments

    Light

    Clean, minimalist map style with subtle colors

    Navigation

    Optimized for route planning with clear road hierarchy

    3D Terrain

    3D elevation visualization with topographic features

    How to change map style:

    1. Click the "Map Style" dropdown in the navigation bar
    2. Select your preferred style from the list
    3. The map will update immediately

    3.2 Search Functionality

    The search feature supports multiple input types and provides intelligent suggestions:

    Search Types

    • Place Names: Cities, landmarks, addresses (e.g., "Statue of Liberty")
    • Coordinates: Multiple formats supported (see below)
    • Addresses: Full or partial street addresses

    Coordinate Formats

    40.7128, -74.0060 (Decimal Degrees)

    40.7128° N, 74.0060° W (Degrees with symbols)

    40° 42' 46" N, 74° 0' 21" W (DMS)

    N40°42'46", W74°0'21" (DMS alternate)

    Search Scope

    Control the geographic range of your search:

    • Local: Search within your region/country
    • Global: Search worldwide
    • Auto: Intelligently determines scope based on query

    Using Search

    1. Type your query in the search bar
    2. Review auto-suggestions as you type
    3. Click a suggestion or press Enter
    4. Map automatically centers on the location

    3.3 Adding Data Points

    Create markers and data points on the map to save locations of interest:

    Methods to Add Data

    • Click anywhere on the map
    • Search for a location and add from search results
    • Import from shapefile (see Section 6)

    Data Point Properties

    Each data point can include:

    • Title: Name or label for the point
    • Description: Detailed notes or information
    • Category: Classification (e.g., Residential, Commercial)
    • Custom Fields: Additional metadata based on industry module
    • Coordinates: Automatically captured latitude and longitude
    • Timestamp: Creation date and time

    Step-by-Step: Adding a Data Point

    1. Navigate to your desired location on the map
    2. Click on the exact spot where you want to add a marker
    3. A popup form will appear
    4. Enter the title (required)
    5. Add description and other optional details
    6. Select a category if applicable
    7. Click "Save" to create the data point

    3.4 Map Controls

    Zoom Controls

    • Zoom In: Plus button or mouse wheel up
    • Zoom Out: Minus button or mouse wheel down
    • Zoom Range: From world view to street-level detail

    Geolocation

    Find and center the map on your current position:

    1. Click the location/crosshair icon
    2. Allow location access when prompted by browser
    3. Map centers on your position with a blue marker

    Note: Location accuracy depends on your device and GPS signal.

    Fullscreen Mode

    Maximize your workspace:

    • Click the fullscreen icon (four arrows)
    • Press ESC or click the icon again to exit
    • All controls remain accessible in fullscreen

    3D Terrain Navigation

    Available when using 3D Terrain map style:

    • Tilt: Ctrl + drag up/down
    • Rotate: Right-click and drag
    • Reset: Click compass icon to return to north

    3.5 Data Filters

    Filter and organize your data points for better visualization:

    Filter by Date Range

    1. Open the filters panel
    2. Select start and end dates
    3. Only data points created within this range will display

    Filter by Category

    • Check or uncheck category boxes
    • Multiple categories can be selected simultaneously
    • Category colors match map marker colors

    Filter by Property Type (Real Estate)

    Available in Real Estate module:

    • Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Land
    • Filter by price range
    • Filter by property status (For Sale, Sold, Pending)

    4. Collections Feature

    What are Collections?

    Premium Feature

    Collections allow you to organize related data points into groups for better project management and collaboration. This is a paid feature available to subscribers.

    Use Cases

    • Group properties by neighborhood or client
    • Organize field service locations by project
    • Create development proposal collections
    • Separate personal and work-related data

    Creating a Collection

    1. Click "Collections" in the navigation bar
    2. Click "Create New Collection"
    3. Enter a name and description
    4. Choose a color for easy identification
    5. Click "Create"

    Adding Data to Collections

    • When creating a new data point, select a collection from the dropdown
    • Or edit an existing point to assign it to a collection
    • One data point can belong to multiple collections

    Managing Collections

    • View all collections in the Collections modal
    • Edit collection names and descriptions
    • Delete collections (data points are preserved)
    • Filter map view by specific collection

    5. Property Management

    Viewing Your Properties

    Access all your saved properties and data points in one organized view:

    1. Click your profile icon in the navigation bar
    2. Select "My Properties" from the dropdown
    3. View list of all saved properties with details
    4. Use pagination controls to navigate through large datasets

    Property Information Displayed:

    • Title and description
    • Coordinates (latitude, longitude)
    • Category and tags
    • Creation date
    • Collection assignment
    • Custom fields (varies by industry module)

    Editing Properties

    1. Locate the property in your properties list
    2. Click the "Edit" button
    3. Modify any field (title, description, category, etc.)
    4. Click "Save" to apply changes
    5. Changes reflect immediately on the map

    Sharing Properties

    Share individual properties or entire collections with colleagues:

    Share via Link

    1. Open the property details
    2. Click the "Share" button
    3. Copy the generated link
    4. Send to recipients via email or messaging

    Share with Friends

    1. Click "Share with Friends"
    2. Select recipients from your friends list
    3. Add optional message
    4. Recipients receive notification with property details

    Deleting Properties

    1. Find the property in your list
    2. Click the "Delete" button or trash icon
    3. Confirm deletion in the popup dialog
    4. Property is permanently removed from map and database

    Warning: Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Consider exporting data before deleting.

    6. Shapefile Viewer

    What are Shapefiles?

    Shapefiles are a popular geospatial vector data format for GIS software. They consist of multiple related files that together describe geographic features.

    Shapefile Components

    • .shp - Main file containing geometry data
    • .dbf - Database file with attribute information
    • .shx - Index file for spatial data
    • .prj - Projection information (optional but recommended)

    Supported Geometry Types

    • Points (e.g., city locations, landmarks)
    • Lines (e.g., roads, rivers, pipelines)
    • Polygons (e.g., property boundaries, administrative areas)

    Uploading Shapefiles

    1. Navigate to Shapefile Viewer

      Click "Shapefile" in the main navigation

    2. Prepare Your Files

      Gather all required files (.shp, .dbf, .shx) and optional .prj file

    3. Upload Method 1: Drag and Drop

      Drag all files into the upload zone

    4. Upload Method 2: File Browser

      Click "Select Files" and choose all components

    5. Upload Method 3: ZIP Archive

      Compress all files into a .zip and upload

    6. Process and Visualize

      Click "Import" to load data onto the map

    Privacy & Security:

    All shapefile processing happens locally in your browser. Your data never leaves your device unless you explicitly choose to save it to your account.

    Working with Shapefile Data

    Viewing Features

    • Features are automatically displayed on the map after import
    • Different colors represent different feature types
    • Polygons are filled with semi-transparent colors
    • Lines and points use distinct markers

    Inspecting Properties

    1. Click on any feature on the map
    2. Popup displays all attribute data from the .dbf file
    3. View geometry type and coordinates

    Styling Options

    • Adjust fill colors and opacity
    • Modify line width and color
    • Change point marker styles
    • Apply graduated colors based on attributes

    Free Trial & Subscriptions

    Free Users

    • 3 free shapefile imports
    • Local-only processing (data not saved to cloud)
    • Full visualization capabilities

    Paid Subscribers

    • Unlimited shapefile imports
    • Cloud storage for imported data
    • Share shapefiles with team members
    • Advanced styling and analysis tools

    7. Industry-Specific Features

    Real Estate Module

    Specialized tools for real estate professionals including:

    • Property portfolio mapping and management
    • Market value analysis and trend visualization
    • ROI calculator for investment properties
    • Client territory management
    • Comparative market analysis (CMA)
    • Property analytics dashboard with key metrics

    Urban Planning Module

    Tools for urban planners and city developers:

    • Zoning and land use planning visualizations
    • Infrastructure development tracking
    • Community engagement and feedback tools
    • Environmental impact assessment layers
    • Transportation network planning
    • Data analytics and reporting for stakeholders

    Field Services Module

    Optimize field operations and workforce management:

    • Fleet and route optimization
    • Service territory management and assignment
    • Real-time workforce tracking
    • Job site mapping and navigation
    • Service history and analytics
    • Customer location database

    8. Social Features

    Social Feed

    Share discoveries and collaborate with the GeoDataMapper community:

    • Create Posts: Share location-based content with maps, images, and descriptions
    • Like & Comment: Engage with posts from friends and connections
    • Location Tagging: Attach geographic coordinates to your posts
    • Privacy Controls: Choose who can see your posts (public, friends, private)

    Friends System

    Finding Friends

    1. Click "Find Friends" in the social menu
    2. Search by name or email
    3. Click "Add Friend" button
    4. Wait for acceptance

    Managing Friend Requests

    • View pending requests in notifications
    • Accept or decline incoming requests
    • Remove friends if needed

    Following System

    Follow users without mutual connection:

    • Follow any public user profile
    • See their public posts in your feed
    • View followers and following lists
    • Unfollow at any time

    Direct Messaging

    1. Click message icon in navigation
    2. Select a friend to message
    3. Type and send messages
    4. Receive real-time notifications
    5. Share locations and properties in chat

    Friend Location Tracking

    See where your friends are viewing on the map (with their permission):

    • Friend markers appear on your map
    • Click to see their current view
    • Follow to jump to their location
    • Privacy: Only friends can see your location when actively using the map

    9. AI Assistant

    Accessing the AI Assistant

    1. Click "AI Assistant" in the navigation menu
    2. Or click the AI icon on the map interface
    3. The AI chat panel will open

    What the AI Can Do

    • Location Analysis: Get insights about specific locations
    • Coordinate Conversion: Convert between different coordinate formats
    • Distance Calculations: Calculate distances between points
    • Area Measurements: Measure polygon areas
    • Recommendations: Get suggestions for property locations, routes, etc.
    • Data Interpretation: Understand your map data and patterns

    Example Questions

    "What's the population density of this area?"

    "Convert 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W to decimal degrees"

    "Calculate the distance between my two selected points"

    "What are the best residential areas near downtown?"

    "Analyze the property trends in this neighborhood"

    10. Subscription & Pricing

    Subscription Tiers

    Free Tier

    • Basic map features and search
    • Up to 100 data points
    • 3 shapefile imports
    • Social features (limited)
    • Community support

    Pro Tier

    • Unlimited data points
    • Unlimited shapefile imports
    • Collections feature
    • Advanced analytics
    • Priority support
    • API access

    Enterprise Tier

    • All Pro features
    • Team collaboration tools
    • Custom branding
    • Dedicated support
    • SLA guarantees
    • On-premise deployment options

    Upgrading Your Subscription

    1. Click your profile icon
    2. Select "Subscriptions"
    3. Choose your desired plan
    4. Enter payment information
    5. Confirm upgrade
    6. Access premium features immediately

    Referral Program

    Earn rewards by referring new users:

    • Get your unique referral link from your profile
    • Share with colleagues and friends
    • Earn credits when they sign up
    • Apply credits toward subscription fees

    11. Account Management

    Profile Settings

    • Profile Picture: Upload a custom avatar image
    • Display Name: Change how your name appears to others
    • Bio: Add a professional description
    • Contact Info: Optional email and phone for networking
    • Privacy Settings: Control who can see your profile and data

    Security

    Password Reset

    1. Click "Forgot Password" on login page
    2. Enter your email address
    3. Check email for reset link
    4. Create new password

    Email Verification

    Verify your email to access all features and receive notifications

    12. Mobile Guide

    Mobile Interface

    GeoDataMapper is fully optimized for mobile devices:

    • Touch Gestures: Pinch to zoom, swipe to pan, two-finger rotate
    • Responsive Design: Interface adapts to screen size
    • Mobile Navigation: Hamburger menu for compact access
    • GPS Integration: Use device location for real-time positioning
    • Offline Mode: Limited functionality without internet

    Mobile Best Practices

    • Enable location services for best experience
    • Use Wi-Fi when importing large shapefiles
    • Landscape mode recommended for detailed map work
    • Clear cache regularly for optimal performance

    13. Troubleshooting

    Common Issues & Solutions

    Map Not Loading

    • Check internet connection
    • Clear browser cache and cookies
    • Try a different browser
    • Disable browser extensions temporarily

    Search Not Working

    • Verify search query format
    • Try different search scope (local/global)
    • Check if location services are enabled

    Shapefile Import Fails

    • Ensure all required files are present (.shp, .dbf, .shx)
    • Check file size limits
    • Verify shapefile integrity
    • Try uploading as .zip archive

    Performance Issues

    • Reduce number of visible data points
    • Use filters to limit displayed features
    • Close unused browser tabs
    • Update graphics drivers

    Getting Support

    Contact Form

    Click "Contact" in navigation for direct support

    Email Support

    support@geodatamapper.com

    Community Forum

    Join discussions and get help from other users

    Glossary

    GIS
    Geographic Information System - software for capturing, storing, analyzing, and managing spatial data
    Shapefile
    A geospatial vector data format for GIS software
    Geocoding
    Converting addresses or place names into geographic coordinates
    Latitude/Longitude
    Geographic coordinate system using degrees to specify north-south and east-west positions
    DMS
    Degrees, Minutes, Seconds - a format for expressing coordinates
    Vector Data
    Geographic data represented as points, lines, and polygons
    Raster Data
    Geographic data represented as a grid of pixels (like satellite imagery)
    Projection
    Mathematical transformation to display 3D Earth on 2D map