# Welcome

Learn how to integrate and configure your map to your needs.

Here you will find quick guides on how to set up your map. Looking for how to add Boldmapper to your site? Check out the [Getting Started](/getting-started) guide. Would you like add a store locator to your Shopify or Wordpress store? Check out [Integrations](/location-management/inventory-sync).&#x20;


# Getting Started

Learn how to install and add locations to your map.

Adding a Boldmapper Store locator widget to your site is easy. This guide will walk you through it step by step until you have a working widget on your page. We'll first start with creating your map, then we'll add locations via CSV import, and finish off with embedding the widget on your website.&#x20;

Let's get stared by creating our first map!


# Creating Your First Map

After [signing up](https://boldmapper.com/sign_up) for your account you will see two things; a request to add a [Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com) API key to your account and a request to create your first map.

![The dashboard after signing up](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2Fmg1Qu9sKfm2afJw0xI4e%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%207.18.13%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=dbaffd80-f822-469b-ad26-e69391d28989)

Let's start by adding a Mapbox token to our account. We use Mapbox to render the maps in the Boldmapper embed. Mapbox is billed separately from Boldmapper, you can view their plans and pricing [here](https://www.mapbox.com/pricing/).

Once you sign up for Mapbox, you will see your "Access Token" listed on the Mapbox Dashboard. We recommend starting out with the "Default public token" that they have generated for you.

![Copy your access token from Mapbox](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-MQd-1_u-tkYEbfJ1DHX%2F-MQdB1CiObgfqwueB7_k%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-01-09%20at%202.05.21%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=676a254b-4940-482a-bb63-ca4611c2ac99)

The token will start with `pk`and look like this:

```
pk.eyJ1IjoiY2hlZXNleXRvYXN0IiwiYSI6ImNranE5YWVreTBtYXUydHA1MndzY25qY2oifQ.XK8KmtvLIdrfDN4HmZbGYQ
```

Now that we have our Mapbox Access Token copied, let's add it to Boldmapper. Return to the Boldmapper dashboard and click on the "Add Key" link in the banner at the top of the page.

![Click on "Add Key" to associate your Mapbox Account](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2F3Y5D4dh2MGbJj1KxuUwz%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%207.18.13%20PM%20copy.png?alt=media\&token=0b4f6c5b-8801-4843-912a-685d71d63343)

A modal will pop up, paste the key into the input and click "Add Key".

![Mapbox Key Modal](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2F0vMXYeGPPWuJ6jN9fPOC%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-22%20at%2011.23.39%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=e7f63284-851d-4472-a851-f780019250b4)

After adding the key, you can now create your Map. Let's click on "Create New Map" to start building a Boldmapper Map.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FlBVdUtYSn6vnR5AFH1QM%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%207.19.14%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=bd54be64-8a00-4256-a7a1-ae1134f71ea5)

On the next screen you can name and customize your map. Enter a name for you map, choose your perferred map styles and marking types.&#x20;

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2Fj4WnsDibngsHEGWiCk3a%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%207.24.19%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=6c6ff5ab-4d7a-4309-98dd-1c9d34262789)

You can then select the initial location of your map by dragging your mouse around the map demo or selecting a location from the location search or entering the geographical coordinates directly.

![Toggle "Use coordiantes" to enter longitude and latitude](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-MQdDaCxy1as52aE7Gr_%2F-MQdU3Wlwn6uZwQ_BVX4%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-01-09%20at%203.30.01%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=6aa16441-7716-4d4d-bb5e-b700351b0675)

You can then choose your distance units and time format. The time format is usefull if you intend on setting store or business hours for your locations.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-MQdDaCxy1as52aE7Gr_%2F-MQdUOZsfkwLvKUBjXUf%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-01-09%20at%203.31.27%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=a7153260-f421-45be-b3a7-1628629137c1)

Click "Save" to finalize your configuration.&#x20;


# Adding Locations

Now that we've configured our map. Let's add some locations!

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2Ftbs0RPEg3fktp2lv1ehf%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%207.49.45%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=bb319491-85ab-497a-bef3-11701deacc0d)

There are two ways to add locations. You can manually enter a location by clicking "Add Location" or you can import a CSV (comma-separated values) file with your locations.&#x20;

For demonstration purposes, we'll start by importing some locations from a CSV containing the address of some local public libraries. You can download an example CSV to try it yourself.

{% file src="/files/-MQdZIM3HKxfCtocllmq" %}
Download Sample CSV
{% endfile %}

If you have the addresses for your locations, here is how the CSV should be formatted:

| Name           | Address Line 1        | Address Line 2 | City          | State/Providence | Country       | Zip code | Email                        | Phone        | Url                                    |
| -------------- | --------------------- | -------------- | ------------- | ---------------- | ------------- | -------- | ---------------------------- | ------------ | -------------------------------------- |
| Albany Library | 1247 Marin Avenue     |                | Albany        | CA               | United States | 94706    | <albany@aclibrary.org>       | 510-526-3720 | <https://aclibrary.org/locations/ALB>  |
| Castro Valley  | 3600 Norbridge Avenue |                | Castro Valley | CA               | United States | 94546    | <castrovalley@aclibrary.org> | 510-667-7900 | <https://aclibrary.org/locations/CSV/> |

You can also replace the address lines with longitude and latitude coordinates if you have them.

Once you have your CSV, click on "Import Locations". You can now drag and drop your CSV file or click "browse files" to upload.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FvhmXS12OoY1dqnX53mxg%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%207.54.48%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=b8083f8f-1e5b-4397-8e2a-eaecf348a0a8)

Choose "I Have Addresses" if your import has addresses or "I Have Coordinates" if your CSV has longitude and latitude.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2Fz6seFXwfdNJL7R38ttmb%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%207.55.39%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=7ffd562d-9c09-417d-8821-0f608c5b89be)

Next, we will map your CSV columns to the columns in our database. The first step we are presented with is mapping the "name" column. Choose the values that should represent the name of your location.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FF30FIGw9S9gsVrwblTAE%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.13.28%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=584b2e77-fb6b-46f3-8fd9-a38bf9091c9e)

Once you've selected a column, click "Select & Continue" to move to the next column. In this case, we are asked to choose the data that represents the street.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2F39MKJ4XdOk09O1LIm2ZF%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.15.15%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=bb96712a-bc85-491c-b179-d5fc16f5a82e)

Continue through until you have mapped all of the required columns. If there is a column that you don't have data for, you can choose "Skip Column".&#x20;

If there are any columns remaining that do not match up with our required column, you can then choose the ones you would like to import as [Custom Attributes](/location-management/custom-attributes). Custom Attributes can be displayed on the location information card in the embed.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2Fg0L94xwuguIK1kpQUxSM%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.17.16%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=bb96d808-75b2-4a8a-b129-2a98c894f48a)

Once you've selected all the columns your locations will be imported and geocoded. You can return to the dashboard safely while they are importing. If you have a lot of locations, this may take a while.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2F1XMoULRAqTAJleD6w0ju%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.18.12%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=bef9197f-d960-40f8-b872-94093a457308)

Now that we've imported all of our locations, let's add the map to our site!


# Adding to Your Site

There are several ways you can add the Boldmapper embed to your site. For this guide, we'll be using the "Direct Embed" approach because it is the most versatile and relatively easy to implement.

We also offer these additional guides if you are using Wordpress or a specific service provider:

{% content-ref url="/pages/-M7zZLnWveSBOag7NZ6H" %}
[WordPress](/integrations/wordpress)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-M81pOJtIO5P46IVb3gg" %}
[Shopify](/integrations/shopify)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-M81wJgM-8tvDuiDEEfN" %}
[Squarespace](/integrations/squarespace)
{% endcontent-ref %}

For now though, let's give the Direct Embed approach a whirl!

#### Direct Embed

Directly embedding the Boldmapper widget in your site will require two things, a JavaScript tag and an HTML snippet. Visit your map's "Settings" tab to find the "Manual Installation" section.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FYf8JcgqLVDQwYz4Z1grp%2Fmanual_embed_install.png?alt=media\&token=549200e4-7a09-4663-92a9-41961ce8b25a)

The JavaScript `<script>` tag should be added right before the closing `</body>` tag of your page. Copy and paste this tag into your pages source code.&#x20;

The "HTML Snippet" can go wherever you'd like to have your map rendered on the page.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-MQdc-akpWrLkB61nva5%2F-MQddFJKATy0dyWB3BxX%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-01-09%20at%204.14.29%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=bfdbe6c6-d5c3-4f67-b0a7-0b78df50be9d)

After reloading your page you will see your new Store Locator widget!


# Integrations

How to install your map on your platform of choice.


# WordPress

How to install Boldmapper for WordPress.

Installation should take only a few minutes.

1. Download the plugin from <https://wordpress.org/plugins/boldmapper/>
2. Upload the `boldmapper` plugin to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory
3. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress
4. You can now access the Boldmapper admin panel under `Settings -> Boldmapper`. From there, you can add a global default Map ID from[ ](https://basemapper.com/dashboard)the [Dashboard](https://basemapper.com/dashboard). You can find your Map ID on the **General Settings** tab for your map.&#x20;

#### Using the shortcode

Once your Map ID is added you can then use the `[boldmapper]` shortcode on any page to render a map. If you have multiple maps and would like to specify a different map, you can override the global Map ID by specifying it in the shortcode like `[boldmapper map="89fb1f31-b36f-4d98-9dc4-90e7dd92a2ad"]`.

#### Using the widget

Widget availability will be based on your theme, but wherever you can add a widget you can select the Boldmapper widget by clicking on `Add a Widget` and selecting `Boldmapper Store Locator`.

{% hint style="info" %}
For your map to render, you will need to register for a Mapbox API token. Once registered, you can access your token at <https://account.mapbox.com/access-tokens/>.
{% endhint %}


# Squarespace

How to install Boldmapper for Squarespace.

### 1. Get your embed code from your map Settings page

![Click on the setting icon on the Map you'd like to install.](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FfJbAWzYpimmpQmV9Dhvk%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.19.28%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=d5e44753-67de-4480-b523-e07aa4da461d)

Under the section entitled **Manual Installation**, copy the **JavaScript** snippet to your clipboard.

### 2. Install embed code on Squarespace

* Sign in to your Squarespace account.
* In the left side menu choose **Settings**
* In the left side menu choose **Advanced**, then select **Code Injection**
* In the **Footer** input, paste your Boldmapper embed code.
* In the upper left corner, click **Save**

{% hint style="info" %}
Code Injection in Squarespace requires a Premium plan, currently represented by their Business and Commerce plans
{% endhint %}

### 3. Put the Map container where you want it

Once the JavaScript snippet is installed you will need to add your map container to one of your Squarespace pages. This code can go pretty much anywhere. It is based on your preference. Many people like to put it on their Contact page.

* Go to the Boldmapper **Settings** page for your map
* Under **Manual Installation**, find the **HTML Snippet** and copy it to your clipboard.
* Choose the page you would like to add the snippet to by going to Pages, then selecting a page.
* Click Edit in the upper left of the page preview.
* Scroll to where you would like to add your map, either click on the `+` icon to add a new blank section or add your map to an existing section by clicking on the divider icon.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-M81vHi6373ExHdbnLaC%2F-M82-S7Nq_r62JWqS7Mk%2FScreen%20Shot%202020-05-23%20at%2012.22.34%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=ca444039-9bf0-4e72-8daf-cf2deefe2f76)

* You should now see the menu above, click on the **Code** option under **More**.
* You should now see the Code editor where you can add your markup, paste your Boldmapper HTML Snippet into this editor and then click **Apply**.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FGOr0b5kSGNuwtXc8FaDo%2FScreen%20Shot%202020-05-23%20at%2012.23.35%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=549201a4-48c9-4515-9cc2-410c15b67302)


# Shopify

How to install Boldmapper for Shopify.

### 1. Get your embed code from your map Settings page

![Click on the setting icon on the Map you'd like to install.](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FfJbAWzYpimmpQmV9Dhvk%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.19.28%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=d5e44753-67de-4480-b523-e07aa4da461d)

Under the section entitled **Manual Installation**, copy the **JavaScript** snippet to your clipboard.

### 2. Install Embed code in Shopify theme

* Sign in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
* In the left side menu, navigate to **Online Store > Themes**
* Click on the **Actions** dropdown, then select **Edit code**

<div align="center"><img src="https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-M81pLocT141bxDtGIfh%2F-M81sU4cC2E-_EX3mhXP%2FScreen%20Shot%202020-05-23%20at%2011.52.38%20AM.png?alt=media&amp;token=36bbc0ef-cf4d-4a1f-8624-1109847818c5" alt=""></div>

* In the file list find **Layouts > theme.liquid** and select it

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-M81pLocT141bxDtGIfh%2F-M81tKTIHXvNeIUWZkGx%2FScreen%20Shot%202020-05-23%20at%2011.55.36%20AM.png?alt=media\&token=3f1e19cc-01a3-4779-825a-ec2d3155d335)

* Paste your Boldmapper tracking code before the `</body>` tag in the code.
* In the upper right corner, click **Save**

### 3. Put the Map container where you want it

Once the JavaScript snippet is installed you will need to add your map container to one of your Shopify template pages. This code can go pretty much anywhere. It is based on your preference. Many people like to put it on their Contact page, so the **page.contact.liquid** template would be a good choice.

* Go to the Boldmapper **Settings** page for your map
* Under **Manual Installation**, find the **HTML Snippet** and copy it to your clipboard.
* Paste this snippet where you would like it to render in your template file.


# API

API Integration

We currently don't offer a public API for our users to consume. If this is something you are interested in, please reach out to <engineering@boldmapper.com> and we can assess your needs.


# Embed JS

Boldmapper's `Embed` JavaScript module allows you to add (or embed) maps to a web page. The following is a guide of the module's usage and features.

## Basic Example

The following assumes you have a map with an ID of `abcd-1234-defg-5678-hijk`. To embed this map on a webpage, you can do the following:

* Add an element to the page's HTML where you want the map to appear:

```html
<div id="my-store-locator"></div>
```

* Add a script to the page's `<head>` or just before the closing `</body>` tag to initialize and mount the embed:

```html
<script type="module">
  import Embed from 'https://boldmapper.com/embed.js';
  
  const embed = new Embed({ mapId: 'abcd-1234-defg-5678-hijk' });
  embed.mount('#my-store-locator');
</script>
```

The above script imports the `Embed` module, creates a new embed instance with the given map ID, and mounts it on the target element. The result is a Boldmapper map being rendered at the target element when the page is loaded.

## Options

The Embed instance can take the following parameters when being initialized:

<table><thead><tr><th width="193">Option</th><th width="443.3333333333333">Description</th><th>Default</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>mapId</td><td><strong>Required.</strong> The ID of the map you wish to render. This should be a UUID string and can be found on your map's Settings page.</td><td>N/A</td></tr><tr><td>onLoad</td><td>A callback function that is triggered when the embed and its map container are loaded.</td><td>null</td></tr><tr><td>onLocationSelect</td><td>A callback function that is triggered when a location is selected, either by click or via a search result. The callback function can take a "location" argument which contains some information about the selected location (e.g. name, address).</td><td>null</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Methods

Embed instances have the following methods available to them:

### mount()

Mounts the embed to the specified element. The argument can be either a DOM element or a CSS selector string (the first matching element will be used).

```javascript
// Mounting via CSS selector string
embed.mount('#some-element');

// Mounting via DOM Element
embed.mount(document.body.lastChild);
```

### unmount()

Removes the embed from the page, restoring the mount element to it's pre-mount state. This can be useful when an explicit teardown is required (e.g. when rendering maps on pages with non-standard navigation handling, like Single Page Apps or Turbolinks).


# Analytics

Learn what your visitors are searching for and from where.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FalR1uVQf07MNwqACYXUo%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.35.09%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=fb45c891-9f6b-4b5a-83b8-d3070686bf87)

The analytics tab shows the number of visitors, views, clicks, and searches your map is getting for any given time frame. We break down the visitors by demographics such as general location, device type, browser, OS, etc. We also provide insights into which locations are the most clicked and which searches yielded no results (surfacing potential areas of demand). We do all of this without using intrusive cookies.


# Map Customization

Configuring your map's look and behavior.


# Map Settings

Style and configuration

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2F0tjKVMkCAqG5xvV82vRs%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.37.53%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=62d13936-0a6c-4544-ba41-5f3482ca09ce)

Your map's display can be customized by going to the map's Settings tab and clicking the Customize panel on the left side. This allows you to change your map theme, marker type and color, starting location and units of measurement. And since maps are embedded directly on the page, you can take it a step further and customize with CSS on your page by overriding any of our styles.


# Custom CSS

Fine-grained control over a map's styling.

You can supply your own custom CSS to a map, allowing you to style it to your exact needs. To get started, click into a map page from the dashboard, then go to **Settings > Stylesheet**.

<figure><img src="https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FpFBrOnQ4VdEYZZ2OwxMZ%2Fmap_css_editor.png?alt=media&amp;token=907b075b-5d42-4b34-a5bc-a4e607fab7c2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Enter your CSS in the editor and click **Save** when finished. You should see the new styling applied the next time the map is loaded.


# Location Management


# Inventory Sync

Sync product inventory to your locations.

Boldmapper integrates with product inventory software to show product availability at each location. Below are our currently supported platforms.


# Square

Sync Boldmapper with your Square inventory.

Connecting your map to [Square](https://squareup.com/us/en) will automatically sync product locations and catelogs with Boldmapper. Integration is easy!&#x20;

### Connect your map to Square

* Sign in to the Boldmapper dashboard.
* Go to the **Settings** page of the map you would like to connect to your Square Inventory.
* Click on the **Inventory Sync** link in the left navigation.
* Click on the **Connect with Square** button to start syncing your inventory and locations.
* That's it!

{% hint style="info" %}
Inventory Sync is currently in beta. Please reach out to <engineering@boldmapper.com> to enable it for your account.
{% endhint %}


# Bulk Importing

How to import locations in bulk.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FF30FIGw9S9gsVrwblTAE%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.13.28%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=584b2e77-fb6b-46f3-8fd9-a38bf9091c9e)

The bulk import tool is very flexible. All that's required to get some locations into Boldmapper via import is to provide a [CSV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comma-separated_values#Example) with your desired information. At a minimum, you need to have a location name and some addressing data for it to be processed (either an address or latitude & longitude). Once you select your file from the import page, the importer will guide you through the rest.

For more information read the getting started guide on [Adding Locations](/getting-started/adding-locations).


# Sync with Google Sheets

Boldmapper allows you to connect your map to Google Sheets for easy location management. Connecting a spreadsheet takes less than a minute and allows you to update locations from anywhere you have access to Google Sheets. Once linked, Boldmapper will periodically sync changes between its locations and the Google spreadsheet.


# Getting Started

## Connecting to Google Sheets

To get started, visit your map in the dashboard, then go to **Settings > Location Sync**. Then, follow the instructions on the page:

* Click on the **Copy Template** button when prompted. This will take you to a page where you will be asked to confirm to copy the spreadsheet template. Click **Make a copy** to confirm.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-MidxNlM86sKO1rPTBcs%2F-Mie93nleV9_zQKml8RM%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-09-02%20at%2010.33.10%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=359e8418-f03b-4ea6-9f83-1a785eff3df6)

* Grant Boldmapper edit access to your new spreadsheet. Click **Share** on the top-right of the page and add the following email as an Editor:\
  \
  **<boldmapper-sync@boldmapper.iam.gserviceaccount.com>**\
  \
  Your share settings should look similar to this:

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-MidxNlM86sKO1rPTBcs%2F-MieDulQrwpg31Mu83-a%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-07-26%20at%2011.09.24%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=54858903-60f4-4785-b6dd-148ce3db3126)

{% hint style="info" %}
Note: You are free to add other collaborators to your spreadsheet, but you must ensure that **boldmapper-sync** is present as an Editor for sync to work properly.
{% endhint %}

* Once you've granted Boldmapper access, copy the spreadsheet's URL and paste it into the Boldmapper settings page where prompted.

Once the spreadsheet is linked, you will see a confirmation message and the locations from your map will begin syncing automatically.


# How Syncing Works

## Overview

Connecting to Google Sheets allows you to easily sync changes between your spreadsheet and the map's locations. Once linked, changes from the spreadsheet will be reflected in your map's respective locations. Likewise, changes from Boldmapper will reflect in the spreadsheet on the next sync.

Locations are automatically synced about every hour, but can also be manually synced via the "Sync Now" option on the settings page.

{% hint style="info" %}
If the same location is updated in both the spreadsheet and Boldmapper, the spreadsheet's change is given priority during sync.
{% endhint %}

## The Sync Template

When you connect a new spreadsheet, you will clone from a sync template. The template includes the following columns:

| Column name | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ID          | Used internally by Boldmapper to track locations in the spreadsheet. As a location is imported to Boldmapper it will be assigned an alphanumeric ID and will be stored in this column. **Do not edit these values directly.** |
| Name        | The location's name.                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| Address     | The address of the location.                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| Latitude    | The location's latitude (allowed values: -90.0 to 90.0).                                                                                                                                                                      |
| Longitude   | The location's longitude (allowed values: -180.0 to 180.0).                                                                                                                                                                   |
| Description | The location's description field.                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| Phone       | The location's phone number.                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| Email       | The location's email address.                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| URL         | The location's URL value.                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| Tags        | A comma-separated list of the location's tags (e.g. Free WiFi, Open Late). Only tags that have been configured for your map will be applied during sync.                                                                      |

{% hint style="info" %}
Any cells which have been colored gray in the spreadsheet should not be edited (e.g. headers, internal columns, etc.). Modifying these cells runs the risk of breaking the sync functionality for your map.
{% endhint %}

## Auto-Sync

By default, your map is automatically synced to the spreadsheet every hour. If you want more granular control of when syncs are performed, you can disable auto-sync from the location sync settings page (**Settings > Location Sync > click the clock icon**).

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FLNjBD7TWchdUfRbg6sOJ%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.43.27%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=fd9902de-35af-48b1-92b6-506cd29da548)

To enable auto-sync again, simply click on the same icon.


# Unlinking a Spreadsheet

To disconnect a Google Sheets spreadsheet from Boldmaper, you can do the following:

* Go to your map's location sync settings (**Settings > Location Sync**), and click on the **Unlink Spreadsheet** button.
* In your Google Sheets spreadsheet, you can now remove **boldmapper-sync** as a collaborator (click **Share > boldmapper-sync > Remove**).

Once removed, Boldmapper will no longer sync the map's locations to that spreadsheet. You can always [connect another spreadsheet](/location-management/sync-with-google-sheets/getting-started) to your map in the future if needed.


# Business Hours

Tell your visitors when locations are open for business.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FoKJVPy02Xy3Xllu4O62z%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-22%20at%2011.56.16%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=b52f693b-b760-4760-9369-991559f71545)

Business hours allow you to display to the visitor when the business is open in their timezone. Adding business hours to a location will automatically add an "Open Now" Tag to the location sidebar.&#x20;

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-MQcqDtT2y8ljCltR0Br%2F-MQcqeM4kfvNQUgKR3ct%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-01-09%20at%2012.33.28%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=761c0c3b-22ea-4e06-8519-42445487d767)

You can manage a Locations business hours via the Location Settings page.


# Tagging

Add tags as filters to locations.

![Tags selection in the location editor](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-MQcl0L5I2g32qwHojgb%2F-MQcl720NLFE3LdIZeVt%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-01-09%20at%2012.09.09%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=30bb6dd9-be32-478e-a268-0a6631ceadc0)

You can think of tags as filterable bits a metadata that you can assign to locations such as "Free WiFi" or "Public Restrooms".

The tags you assign to locations can then be filtered in the sidebar of the integration.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-MQcmlxYZEyyAMCu9_E_%2F-MQcoFJBZ8nieTXv2qDP%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-01-09%20at%2012.22.44%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=097accd6-2809-40fd-a4fe-5651da77e270)

Locations that don't have chosen tag associated will be filtered out, making it easier for your users to find what they are looking for

### Adding Tags

Tags are managed at the map level since they can be applied to more than one location. To add a tag go to the **Tag Settings** page and Select "New Tag".

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FO9zh7dtBVkckmZttpdNM%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.45.30%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=1f304244-5760-4d8c-aa86-24601ea8d97b)

Once you've added some tags they can then be selected at on the individual **Location Settings** page.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FmAqbA7GY4mbcu5Grrmab%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-22%20at%2011.49.17%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=8bbde1a7-c8d3-47c5-a081-6bb2091023f2)


# Custom Attributes

Non-filterable Location Metdata

Custom Attributes are additional fields that can be associated with a Location. They are different from Tags in that they are not filterable and are displayed on the Location Popup and sidebar as additional data.

Like Tags, Custom Attributes are managed at the Map level and can be accessed by going to the Location Attributes Settings page in Map Settings.

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2Fuploads%2FfnA6J9LbA82wh9X7UM52%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-10-20%20at%208.46.17%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=60dfe330-c16e-47d2-9dcc-507020ba8f73)


# Exporting Location Data

Download a map's location data as a CSV file

You can export a CSV file of your map's location data. To export the locations, navigate to your map's **General Settings** and scroll down to the **Export Location Data** section:

![](https://1326900654-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7eTXXdYxnGueePMCWD%2F-MQeyWMx9nUUNhS77KFB%2F-MQey_KV6oA3rOeOynKw%2FScreen%20Shot%202021-01-09%20at%2010.26.49%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=e0886c3b-bbfa-459a-afc6-d9588ece393c)

Clicking the "Export Locations" button will start the exporting process - you should see the file begin downloading to your device shortly.


# Mapbox Requirement

Our maps use the Mapbox platform under the hood, and as such there are associated usage costs per Mapbox's pricing, though they have a generous free tier (50,000 views per month). Their pricing is outlined in more detail [here](https://www.mapbox.com/pricing/#session-user-pricing).


# Support

Need help with your map?

Email us at <engineering@boldmapper.com>.


