By Lee Sykes
October 2010
In this tutorial we demonstrate how to use the GeoSprawl DNN Locator Module.
The GeoSprawl DNN Locator module by ReachOutside, LLC is a useful module for placing several locations on a map and allowing a user to search for the nearest location to their address, a user can also get directions to that location.
Common uses for the Locator module would include business or store locations, dealer locations, people or member directories, schools, churches, landmarks, or any other information that has an address associated with it.
The display, layout and styling of the Locator module can all be customized to suit the styling of your skin and just display the map functions that you require.
This module will work with any address in the world as long as it has a valid zip code or postcode and it can display embedded Google or MapQuest maps for each of your locations.
More advanced features for the module include configuring the search box, filtering options, as well as integration with DataSprings Dynamic Forms module which allows the users of your website to add their own address locations into your map using a form.
The videos contain:
Video 1 - Introduction, Overview and How to get a Maps API Key
- Introduction and common uses
- How to download and install the Geosprawl DotNetNuke Locator Module
- Creating a new page for the locator module
- How to add the Geosprawl module to a DotNetNuke page
- How to allow all users to access the Geosprawl page
- Overview of the Geosprawl module search options:
- Define Search Options
- How to obtain a Google maps API key
- Registering your Google maps API key with the Geosprawl Locator Module
Time Length: 9min 05secs
Video 2 - Customizing the Search Box, Custom Fields, Adding a New Location
- Overview of the Geosprawl module search options
- Search box options
- How to customize the search box
- Changing the search box labels
- Choosing an animated searching graphic
- How to change the search filter preferences
- How to create a custom field such as Opening Times
- Finding and accessing the manage locations area
- How to add a new location into the Geosprawl Locator module
- Explanation of the hardcode coordinates option
- Tagging locations for use with advanced search
- How to add information into the location custom fields
Time Length: 10min 02secs
Video 3 - Filtering Search Results and Configuring the Search Results Page
- Using the search filter
- Explanation of the Data Import function
- Testing the module by entering a postcode
- Demonstration of the Geosprawl Locator search results page
- How to view the details of a location from the search results page
- How to get driving directions to the selected location
- Working with the search results page settings
- Search results page Simple view versus Classic view
- Explanation of the search results page display settings
- Demonstration of the Simple view search results page
Time Length: 8min 53secs
Video 4 - Configuring the Search Results Page and How to Implement Advanced Search
- How to select which fields to display in the module search results
- How to enable the display of profile details
- Enabling / disabling the display map link
- How to enable / disable the display of letter markers on the map
- Configuring the profile details (location details) page display settings
- How to create and use the advanced search box
- Adding the advanced search box HTML to a new page
- Adding the advanced search box JavaScript code to the footer section of a Text / HTML module
- Testing the advanced search page
Time Length: 8min 30secs
Video 5 - Configuring the Advanced Search Function
- How to specify the URL for the new Geosprawl advanced search page (to refine search)
- How to configure the advanced search to only search for locations with specific tags
Time Length: 4min 26secs
Total Time Length: 40min 56secs
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