In this article we will cover how to add a Google map to your Pilera Easysite. You will be able to include specific locations on the map such as the location of your community or office.
Brief:
To embed a Google map into your Pilera Easysite you must access the ‘Share or embed map’ link and get the URL. From there you can add the embed URL into the Pilera Easysite ‘Content (Freeform HTML Blob)’ source code. When saved it will appear on the Pilera Easysite page.
Step by step:
- ACCESS GOOGLE MAPS by going to the Google homepage and clicking on the small grid icon in the upper right corner. This will create a pop-up window where you can select the Google maps icon. If you do not see the maps icon you can find more applications in the link at the bottom of the pop-up.
- ADD THE DESIRED ADDRESS in the text field on the upper right corner. This would most commonly be the location of your community or office building. (Note: You can add directions between two set locations, review the Tips section for more information.)
- ACCESS THE NAV by click on the navigation icon in the upper left corner of google maps.
- SELECT THE ‘SHARE OR EMBED MAP’ link within the navigation window.
- CLICK THE ‘EMBED MAP’ TAB on the upper section of the pop-up window. It will take you to a representation of the map (1). You can alter the size of the map to best fit your website (2). We recommend a map size no bigger than 450 pixels.
- COPY THE EMBED URL to your clipboard and save it to paste into Pilera later. (3).
- ACCESS YOUR PILERA EASYSITE under an admin or website admin login. You can access the Pilera Easysite by going to your web portal. Then access your community website (2) through the manage (1) tab.
- ACCESS ADMIN MODE by mousing over the ‘Admin Control Panel’ and clicking ‘Admin Mode’ (NOTE: If you do not see the ‘Admin Control Panel’ you may not be logged into an admin account.) (NOTE: If you see ‘Preview Mode’ instead of ‘Admin Mode’ then you are already in ‘Admin Mode’)
- ADD A NEW MODULE. In admin mode you will notice slight interface changes such as a small x (delete module), a pencil (edit module), and a plus sign (Add new module). To add a new module, click on the plus sign.
- USE THE CONTENT FREEFORM MODULE. A pop-up window will appear labeled ‘Select a Module to add to Column #’. Click on the ‘Content (Freeform HTML Blob)’ module.
- ADD THE URL IN THE SOURCE CODE. In the ‘Content (Freeform HTML Blob)’ click on the Source button in the top left (1). This will allow you to alter the HTML source code. Paste the embed URL code from Google map into the white text field (2).
- SAVE. Be sure to save your changes by clicking on the save floppy disk icon next to the source button.
- REVIEW. Once saved the map should appear. We recommend following the testing procedures below to make sure it works as intended. If you want some helpful tips on how to make adjustments to your calendar review the tips sections below.
Testing:
- Sign out of all Google accounts and view the Pilera Easysite page. The map should still be viewable.
- If you see the URL but no calendar, then you copied it into the ‘Content (Freeform HTML Blob)’ module and not in the source code section. Please review step 10 again.
- If you copied the URL in the source code but are still seeing only the URL. You most likely did not copy the complete URL. You may have only partially copied the URL. Go back and copy the embeddable URL again and paste it in the source code. Review step 5 again.
- You can add directions from one location to another in Google Maps. This can be useful for events that take place in two separate locations. Click on the directions button and type in the secondary action. Continue through the steps starting at step 3.
- If you are using a Pilera online form and you need the resident to drop off specific documents. Add the Google map to the form as well with directions from the community to your office. The steps are very similar.
Conclusion:
Google calendars are in many websites. They are used to show the location of businesses, give directions between two points, and build credibility. They are very easy to add to your Pilera Easysite and the dynamic nature of them means they fit the user’s needs.