The Map Capsule

The Map Capsule allows you to embed maps into your Hubs to give an all-encompassing view of a particular area. With the Map Capsule, you can present readers with a traditional map, a satellite image, or a view of the terrain. Each map gives readers the option to view additional walking, biking, or driving directions. Depending on the location mapped, viewers may also have the ability to view your location via Google Street View, which allows them to amble along the very streets you describe in your Hub.

The Map Capsule is a great way to augment or improve Hubs on travel, shopping, restaurants, historical events, sports, and pretty much anything else. Imagine- you can create a Map Capsule outlining your favorite hike or bar crawl, and allow users to poke around- via Google Street View- your favorite district of London. Go back to your past Hubs and see how they might be improved with the Map Capsule- and have fun writing new posts that revolve around it!

Using the map capsule is just about as easy as using Google Maps- the only additional steps involve customizing added information! By following these brief steps below, you'll create a useful, informative map to compliment your writing in no time flat.

1. Click to add the Map Capsule to your Hub - its window will pop up.
2. Title the capsule if you like (this is not mandatory).
3. Select the default map type using the dropdown menu- you can choose to display your map as a roadmap, satellite image, or in terrain.
4. Type the address or name of your location in the "Enter an address:" text box, then click on the "search" button.
5. If your address or name reads, it will pop up below in bold with hyperlinked text reading "Pin a marker" or "just go to this location" following; if it does not, try again with a more specific address or well-known location name.
6. If multiple locations show up in your search, select the location of your choice by clicking on one of the links.

If you click the "Pin a marker" link, a window will pop up allowing you to name your location and give a short (max 150 characters) description of it, as well as check and change the address. When you are finished entering and editing your information, click "done." The window will be reduced to a bar listing the location name and the location's marker will show up on the map.

To add an additional location, repeat steps four through seven for as many locations as you like. When you have added in all desired locations, pan and zoom the map to your desired viewpoint using your mouse, or the + and - buttons at the right side of the map. Click the save button at the top of the capsule window That's it! Have fun!

As a reader, there are many things you can do with the Map Capsule:

• Zoom in and out to view locations close-up or from afar by the scrolling with your mouse, double clicking on the mouse (to zoom in), or clicking the + and - buttons on the map.
• Hover your mouse over location markers to view exact addresses.
• Double click on location markers to read Hubbers' descriptions.
• Change viewing settings to map, satellite, hybrid, or terrain by selecting your choice in the top left corner of the map.
• Drag the yellow figure in the top left-hand corner to any location on the map to bring yourself into street view, which allows you to view locations of interest from the ground.
• Get directions by clicking on the "show route and directions" button below the map. This will open a series of instructions belo the Hub. Using the drop-down menus, you can choose between walking, bicycle, and driving directions, and view distance in miles or kilometers. If you want to get directions to one of these locations from another starting point, click "hide route and directions" and click on the "[get directions]" link next to the destination of interest.