Frequently Asked Questions


OGM is Green Map System's Open Green Map, a social mapping platform. OGM refers to either this participatory platform or one of its many maps created by local Green Mapmakers around the world. Under continual development, check In Progress on the top menu to see which features and formats are coming next.

An Open Green Map is an interactive online map of sustainability sites, pathways and resources that is open to public participation. Merging local knowledge and our freshly updated iconography with open source and Google Map technology, the resulting Open Green Maps and data can be explored through this website, or in mobile, widget and offline formats. With sites open to public comments, green ratings, multimedia elements, impact assessments, and more, everyone can get involved.

Every Open Green Map features green sites highlighted by our Green Map Icons. The set of 170 icons represents the full range of sustainable living, nature, culture and society sites. About 15% of the icons represent negatives and draw attention to problems in order to raise awareness and promote action. A few point out 'neutral' landmarks, but most focus on positive green sites. Hover over each icon in the Legend or in a green site's info-window for the title and definition. At GreenMap.org/icons, download the poster and learn more about this award-winning iconography.

OGM is an interactive participatory mapmaking platform developed by Green Map System. This social mapping website helps registered Green Mapmakers worldwide chart their communities' sustainability sites, pathways and resources online and invites the public to enhance each listing. OGM guides users to explore and connect; it also displays the public's insights, images and impacts about each of these significant places.

Continually growing, OGM can be accessed by clicking links on GreenMap.org or other websites, through widgets (portable embeddable OGM maps).

You may have arrived directly from GreenMap.org, which is our gathering point for both the makers and users of Green Maps worldwide. Online since Green Map System began in 1995, this website continually grows as new Mapmakers add profiles about their maps and their organizations. Many of the website's adaptable mapmaking resources and collaboration features are not available to the public, but you can learn about 100+ tools in GreenMap.org's Resources section.

A Green Map is a locally-made map that uses the universal Green Map® Icons to highlight the ecological, social, cultural, and sustainable resources of a particular geographic area. Some Green Maps focus on beneficial natural and sustainability sites, while others include problems impacting community well-being, such as toxic hot spots and other sources of blight.

Each local Green Map has a unique design. It can take many years to go through the entire process of organizing and fundraising, researching, designing and publishing before finally releasing a local Green Map. It may be published in different formats, including printed and digital, mural or poster Green Maps. Some Green Mapmakers have published many editions to chart the progress over time in their community. Over 365 unique editions have been published (as of March 2009). You can explore them in GreenMap.org's Maps section, or download from the Info tab on the right sidebar at OGM (if the Mapmaker has linked in a PDF).

In order to reduce the technological and financial barriers to creating an online Green Map, we have developed the cost-effective Open Green Map platform. Using it, Mapmakers skip the time-consuming steps of fundraising, design and distribution. OGM allows for almost instant publication, updating and sharing of the maps. Moreover, OGM adds a social networking component that was not possible before. The public can easily enrich the site's information with ratings, images and comments in any language by clicking tabs in each site's info window. More ways to involve community is being planned, both online and on the go. Find ways to help promote and share OGM on the top menu.

Click the Suggest a Site tab above any Open Green Map (except the World View Map), and fill in the form. The Green Mapmaker (Team Leader) will be alerted and will soon approve your site, publishing it on the map. You can contact the Mapmaker about joining the team (use links in the Info tab on the right of the map). The Mapmaker can invite you to become a Team Member or Coordinator and help manage the project. Read Can I create more than one map for more details.

Only registered Green Mapmakers can create a map at OGM at the present time. Get details at GreenMap.org/join. It's not free and you need to have some experience with sustainability. Once you have received the official welcome email, you can login at OpenGreenMap.org and click FAQ on the upper menu and follow the instructions under How to Make a Map. You can keep your map private until its ready.

Yes, if you want to lead a local Green Map project or create an Open Green Map, you must register as a Green Mapmaker. Find more at GreenMap.org/join.

Registered Mapmakers, please login using the same username and password as at GreenMap.org (by the end of 2009, you will only have to login one time). The login box is located in every page at the right upper corner.

We want people with expertise in sustainability and in-depth awareness of their community to lead Green Map projects. Once registered, Green Mapmakers have full access to all our Green Mapmaking resources and tools for all kinds of Green Map projects, including the Open Green Map platform. Explore the Mapmaker's FAQ and register at GreenMap.org/join.

If you are registered at this website as a Contributor, you will not need to add your name, email and spell out the "captcha" (the coded sequence of letters and numbers) each time you add text or an image. And, your contributions will be tagged with your username. Later, OGM will have social networking resources for Contributors, too.

If you have yet to create a Contributor account, click Create New Account (on the right near the Login) and fill in the form. Then, login each time you contribute new content and save steps.

Once you make an error logging in, you can click the New Password link that appears by the login box on the upper right. A new password will be emailed. After you login using this temporary password, you can change it to something easy to remember.

Registered Green Mapmakers - Resetting your password on OGM will reset your password at GreenMap.org, too. After you login using the temporary password that was emailed to the registered email address, you can change it to something easy to remember there as well.

Download here the new easy-to-use Open Green Map's flowchart.

On every page:

The top contains language options, the login fields for registered users and a top menu for navigating the site.

Middle contains the interactive Open Green Map, with each map's Directory (Legend, Info, Search) on the right.

Lower contains a menu to make Donations, view Sponsors, Contact us and more. Jump to GreenMap.org by clicking the blue Green Map System link.

The homepage includes links to the World View Map (click Explore), the Maps directory and the 3 most recently updated maps, and about ways to get involved. On the right, find a featured event box, testimonial (click More to see all of them) and Google's instant translation tool.

By clicking on the top left links, you will be able to view a portion of the website's interface in the selected language. More will be added over time, please contact us to help with this important effort.

Pages without maps include Google's instant translation tool (a great aid, even if the translations are not perfect in every language).

Maps, site data and public comments can be in any language. You can translate the overview or put 2 languages in one comment field.

Map Type: This website is based on open source software (Drupal content management tools) and the familiar, easy-to-use Google Map. Click the map's upper right buttons to change viewing modes: Map (Street map views), Satellite (satellite and aerial photographs), Hybrid (Street maps overlaid on satellite photographs) and Terrain (street and topographical map).

Navigating: OGM can be navigated by dragging the mouse, or scrolling to zoom in (scroll up) or out (scroll down) to show detailed street information. Double click to zoom in and by holding the Control key and clicking you can zoom out. Or, use Google's control panel in the left hand corner of each map. Use the arrows to navigate east, west, north, or south. You can zoom in and out by clicking "+" or "-". To return to the original view, click the center icon to refresh the map. More details are on Google's site, here.

Green Site: Explore the green sites by clicking any Green Map Icon on the map. Each can display several icons symbolizing its green features, the name of the site, the address, a photo or video, the name of the submitter, and rating stars. Click the site name or the "+" in the right corner to expand for more details (or click "x" in the corner to close the window and continue exploring).

Once you have expanded the info window, read the Mapmaker's Overview. You'll also see small icons that indicate whether the site is wheelchair accessible, child friendly, free, near public transport, if you need to make an appointment to visit, or if someone associated with the site has written the Overview.

More about the info window and its public input features is in this FAQ under How can I add to the Open Green Map?.

In addition to this, you can also download Team Management tutorial pdf and supporting charts.

In the Open Green Map platform, Registered Mapmakers are called Team Leaders. Mapmakers can:

- Create new maps and manage multiple projects such as theme, district or school Open Green Maps that involve different people.
- Invite Coordinator(s) or Team Members to help create and manage each OGM map.
- Opt to take public suggestions to enhance the map(s). If this option is active in the map, the Team is responsible for reviewing and approving (or not) the public suggestions before it appears on the map.

NOTE: Green Mapmakers have full access to all our Green Mapmaking resources and tools for all kinds of Green Map projects at GreenMap.org, including this Map platform.

The Coordinator has additional permissions so they can help manage the project. Coordinators can:

- Add new sites that will appear instantly with their username on the bottom of each site.
- Edit any of the sites on the map.
- Review and approve (or not) the public suggestions before it appears on the map.
- Invite Team Members.
- Make widgets.

Team Members can:

- Add new sites that will appear instantly with their username on the bottom of each site.
- Edit any of their own sites.

Registered Contributors can:

- Suggest sites easily and you will not need to add your name, email and spell out the "captcha" each time you add text or an image. Login when you return and save steps each time you contribute new content. Your username will appear by each image or text you contribute.

Here are ways you can add your own important input to Open Green Maps:

Click any site on the map. It opens with a small info-window.
Click the site's title or the + in the upper right corner for the expanded info-window.

Here, you can see the Mapmaker's Overview and a row of tabs. Each Tab invites you to add your own insights and images, creating a social networking space for the site.

We suggest you take a moment to register by clicking Create New Account on the upper right. As a registered Contributor, you will not need to add your name, email and spell out the "captcha" each time you add text or an image. Login when you return and save steps each time you contribute new content. Your username will appear by each image or text you contribute.

  • Overview: To rate the site, click the stars. 5 is best (hover to see the rankings).
  • Comments: Explain more about the site in any language. Add an update and let everyone know how the site is evolving. You can start a new comment or click the green 'reply' to respond to an existing comment.
  • Connections: Click Related Sites. Every site using the same primary Icon on the OGM platform is automatically linked here, so you can compare different approaches and solutions. Coming Soon: Related Links to review or add a related website, news story or resource. Directions explain how to get there on bike, foot or mass transit (special needs, too). Volunteer Opportunities: Get involved!
  • Multimedia: Share your own images and videos, and express yourself! OGM displays your multimedia but does not host it, as explained on the form. If you have problems, click this FAQ's How can I add pictures?
  • Impacts Index: This is very important. Choose an impact from the menu on the right, then click Add Yours! You can also add a comment about how this site has changed you. Click the box and let us know if you discovered this site through this map, too.

Suggest a Site: At any map, click the Info Tab on the right sidebar. Under Add to This Green Map, click Suggest a Site. Or, click a tab above the map. Note that the Mapmaker (Team Leader) can opt not to take public suggestions so this tab may not be visible.

Fill in as much detail as possible and click Submit. The Mapmaker (Team Leader) will review and approve your suggestion before it appears on the map.

Join Map Team: Some Mapmakers (Team Leaders) are seeking more Team Members. Click the Info Tab, if you see "join team" under Add to This Green Map, click to let them know you would like to help. Otherwise contact them by clicking the link Mapmaker Profile in this tab.

Donate: Click the link on the bottom menu of any page to support this project's continual development. Click In Progress on the top menu to see what we'll be creating with your help!

Testimonial: See all the comments by clicking More next to the randomly selected Testimonial on the homepage's lower right. Click Contact on the bottom menu to send us yours!

Promote: Tell your friends and networks about OGM! Find linked graphics for your website or blog, a press release to send to local media and more. This is also the place to find tools that will help you share Open Green Maps and their data (coming soon)!

We welcome new project leaders, ready to dedicate time and teamwork to charting a sustainable future! Please register as a Green Mapmaker at GreenMap.org/join and let us know about your skills and community (this is different than registering as a Contributor to OGM directly on this page). Access to mapmaking on this platform is among the many tools you will receive from Green Map System to help you organize your project and create locally printed or digital Green Maps and/or Open Green Maps. The Participate section at GreenMap.org has all the details, including an FAQ for Mapmakers. If your community already has a Green Map project underway, contact them directly about getting involved.

OGM is designed to help the registered Mapmaker manage multiple projects such as theme, district or school Open Green Maps that involve different people.

The Mapmaker can invite a Coordinator(s) or Team Members to help create and manage each OGM map. Both can add new sites that will appear instantly, with their username on the bottom of each site.

The Coordinator has additional permissions so they can help manage the project. Coordinators can edit any of the sites on the map, invite Team Members and make widgets. If you want to take part in a specific map, click the Info tab on the right, and on the bottom, click Join Team to send a message to the Mapmaker (if this link is not visible, click the Mapmaker Profile and contact them from there).

Under 'roles' on the Open Green Map platform, Mapmakers are called Team Leaders. When logged in, each map's map team member list is accessed from a tab over the map. Later, more team organization tools will be added here.

If you can't find your community here on the OGM platform, click GreenMap.org and use the Search or click Mapmakers to contact them. If your city does not have a Green Map project underway, read about leading the effort at GreenMap.org/join.

If you are the owner of the map or the submitter who added/suggested a site, you can edit the information and/or placement of the site, line or area. In order to proceed, you need to login. Click on the site, line or area. Once the info-window is displayed, click on the Edit link, top right inside of this window. You will be directed to the Site Form to make any changes, even delete a site. Don’t forget to click Submit to save your changes.

If you don’t have the permission to edit a site, you can post a comment directly to the Green Site or you can contact the Mapmaker through the map's profile (under Info on the right tab).

Next to each interactive Open Green Map, you will find three tabs that will help you explore the different maps.

Legend Tab: Click the genre (Sustainable Living, Nature, or Culture and Society) to see all the Green Map® Icons selected for this Open Green Map by the Mapmaker (the World View uses all the icons). Click each category title to see more icons. Toggle each icon on (solid color) or off (pale) to choose the Icons and personalize your view of the map. Or, click the checkbox to make a whole category of icons disappear.

To read the title and definition of an icon, hover over it (mouseover or hold the cursor without clicking).

You can do the same with the Lines and Areas.

Posters and information about the globally recognized Green Map Icons can be downloaded at GreenMap.org/icons.

Info Tab: Overview on the currently displayed map and the Green Mapmaker team. Links take you to profiles, downloadable locally designed Green Maps, more about the map, statistics, etc. This is the best place to learn more about the people and organization who created this Green Map!

Search Tab: Currently in basic format, you can jump to any address or site on this Open Green Map website. There is also a linked list of other Open Green Maps made by this Mapmaker.

Search Tips:
Type in key words and click the Search button.
The search feature is not case sensitive. All letters will be interpreted as lower case.
If you are searching for an exact phrase, put quotation marks around your search term (such as "Green Apple Map").
More tips are on Google's website.

To search the whole website, used the Search box on the lower menu. To search all OGM maps, switch to the World View (or click the OGM logo on the left, then Explore on the home page).

We look forward to displaying your expressive images and videos, helping to enrich the story of each site on the map. All of the photos and videos are embedded from third-party websites, none is stored on this website, though.

If you are a public Contributor submitting images and videos under any site's Multimedia Tab, click the links and follow the instructions to embed the code or link (the website's address or URL) from YouTube.com, Flickr.com, Imageshack.com, Photobucket.com, Picasa.com, etc. Add credits or a few words to describe each item. You can add as many photos or videos as you want.

You may want to search a photo sharing website for an image of a specific green site. If the image is one you found, be sure it's not copyrighted, and credit the creator.

Registered Mapmakers or those clicking Suggest a Site, there is a blue Video & Photo link on the Site Form. Follow the instructions there.

Using Flickr.com: In Flickr, your image needs to be Public in order to show on OGM (if you are logged in at Flickr, it might not be obvious that your pictures are not Private). You can log out to check & simply put the image's URL into your browser. (Note: at Flickr, if you tag your images as greenmap, people searching for our network will find it!)

Using Picasa Web Albums: In order to submit a photo hosted in Picasa Web Albums, users need to create an account with Google and embed their OWN pictures hosted in this photo sharing resource, not others' images. The submitter needs to copy and paste the URL into the form, NOT the LINK option that Picasa shows in the right hand side. (Note: tag your images as greenmap, so people searching for our network will find it!)

Are you seeing the message "Javascript is required to view this map"?
Most likely your browser needs a "hard refresh" of the page. This is different on Windows and Macs.

Firefox:
Windows: press the 'Ctrl' and 'F5' keys at the same time.
Mac: press the 'Command' and 'Shift' and 'r' keys at the same time.

The page should refresh and the map should load. If this doesn't work, perhaps you have javascript disabled on your browser. Click here to check. If you have javascript turned off, turn it on! This is different for every browser, so search the internet for instructions on how to turn it on. Typically it is in the 'settings' or 'options' menu.

If all else fails, you can contact us - make sure you tell us what browser you're using (e.g. Firefox 3, IE8, Chrome, etc), and what version, as well as what operating system (e.g. Windows 2000, Windows Vista, Mac OSX, etc).

This website is not designed for older versions of Internet Explorer.

Any new Open Green Map needs at least one site added before you can see the map. Even if you have added lines or areas, you won't see anything until you add a site. You can quickly create a test site as a temporary way to view your map.

Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera and Internet Explorer 8 are fine, but the Open Green Map is not designed for older versions of Internet Explorer. OGM requires javascript for the maps to work.

Your comments, images, and impacts may need a "hard refresh" of the browser to be visible on your computer. On Firefox: Windows press the 'Ctrl' and 'F5' keys at the same time. And on Mac press the 'Command' and 'Shift' and 'r' keys at the same time.

If you clicked Suggest a Site or Join Team, an email was sent to the Mapmaker (Team Leader). Please wait a couple of days for them to respond.

Click on My Account in the first box under the MyOGM link.

Your user page will appear, displaying all your Green Sites submitted to the Open Green Map platform. Click one open and choose View Map.

Hint for using My OGM - move your cursor horizontally from section to section. If you have a long list of maps, clicking the My Account is a better option for you.

Drupal: Drupal is the backbone software of the Open Green Map participatory mapping platform. It is a content management system (very flexible database for multiple users and formats of content) co-created and constantly improved by users around the world. As seen at Drupal.org, it’s free, and like most open source applications (user generated software), it’s an evolving software. Drupal has allowed us to build in many innovative ways to view our maps as well as the profiles and resources at GreenMap.org.

Google: OGM also uses the Google Map API that let us merge our icons, local knowledge and the Google Map platform to display the Open Green Maps. Free and familiar to an ever-growing global audience, this technology is very important to OGM's usability around the world!. We have more to thank Google for, as we also use their excellent website Analytics, AdWords and Search that help new users find our websites.

Server: OGM's dedicated, carbon neutral server is donated by Pair Networks. A terrific boon to Green Map System, pair has given us great technical support for many years, too. Find out more this and other Sponsors on the bottom menu.

Icons and other Green Map resources: The nonprofit Green Map System was created with a collaborative open source spirit, which we called the 'gift economy' when the global program was initiated in 1995. Much of what you see here and at GreenMap.org comes from the network of Green Mapmakers who want to share love their home with the world. It's not 100% open, though - the Green Map® Icons are copyrighted and the name Green Map® is trademarked by Green Map System, Inc. as we opted to protect our iconography and identity from potential misuse.

The data is stored on Green Map's server (this carbon neutral dedicated server is donated by Pair Networks). Google provides the base map, which we and many other websites around the world use though their API. OGM's uniqueness merges the Green Map Icons, local knowledge, Google Map and Drupal and other open source technologies.

A non-profit organization, Green Map System promotes inclusive participation in sustainable community development around the world, using mapmaking as its medium. Active since 1995, the Green Map network of locally-led projects includes more than 500 cities, towns and villages in over 50 countries.

Think Global, Map Local! Explore the hundreds of local Green Maps, the diverse Mapmakers who created them, our globally recognized iconography, our awards and news, and our organization's history at GreenMap.org.

Think Global, Map Social! In 2008, Green Map System began developing the Open Green Map, a new social mapping website that is revolutionizing Green Mapmaking. Launching in June 2009, OGM creates an online community space that helps people share their insights, images and impacts about green sites on both a local and global scale. The About section has a general introduction to this interactive mapmaking and social networking platform.

Green Map System's global office is in New York City.
Send mail to PO Box 249, New York NY USA 10002-0249, or email us to arrange a visit to our East Village office at info [@] greenmap [.] org.
Reach us by phone at 1+ 212 674 1631.

There are different ways to take part in our growing global movement.

You can become the leader of your local community's Green Map team and make a major contribution to your home’s healthier and more sustainable future. Potential Green Mapmakers should explore the Participate section at GreenMap.org to register a new Green Map project, and to use our adaptable tools, our award-winning copyrighted icons and trademarked name. Currently, you must be a registered Green Mapmaker to create an interactive Open Green Map.

Our Participate section includes resources for Green Map Users, Researchers, Journalists and Supporters. There are links for Youth, University students and other Global Citizens, too. There's a wealth of inspiring resources based on the experiences of Mapmakers worldwide!

If you are a public user of this platform, click How can I add to the Open Green Map? in this FAQ to find great ways to interact with this platform.

See this FAQ's How can I help support this important work? for more ways to help as a Contributor to its data and to support its growth.

Using OGM is free, but there are expenses from building and maintaining OGM. Please click the Donate button on the bottom menu to contribute online.

Using and enhancing the Open Green Map is a great way to start! You can explore the sites on the maps, rate them, add your own comment and connections, images and videos and share how each green site has impacted your life. Each site has a Share This button to let your friends know about it. You can also Flag entries by others that are misleading or inaccurate (the Mapmaker - Team Leader - will receive a message shortly).

Coming Soon! Promote OGM with a banner or button and spread the news about this great resource. Check the Share & Promote link on the top menu. Soon, you will be able to create a widget so you can display an Open Green Map within your own website or blog.

Make a financial donation! Help support a global movement that benefits communities worldwide. We welcome tax-deductible financial contributions, in-kind donations and services, gifts of stock, grants and sponsorships (find out who is helping OGM possible by clicking Sponsors on the bottom menu).

Please introduce your friends, foundations and other sponsors to Green Map System. Help support the ongoing development of mapmaking tools, outreach and communications resources that build leadership skills in youth and adults around the world, including in many low-income areas.

You may see a message on the home page about a contest or special opportunity to support this work. Your votes make a real difference! You can also support our overall effort by clicking GreenMap.org's Donation link on its bottom menu.

Share your skills and social/environmental knowledge - from graphic and web design, PR and marketing, to urban and rural outreach. We welcome volunteers and interns, please use the Contact link on the bottom menu and tell us what you offer. Help us build the organizational, technical and network-wide capacity to cultivate effective local leadership that promotes a healthier and greener future, for all of us.

Shop at our Store! Buy printed maps, our books and media products, including t-shirts, DVDs and more.

Join Green Mapmakers worldwide and our Board in supporting the Open Green Map and Green Map System (explore our organization's donor list, too). If you are a foundation, an enterprise or another entity working towards a more sustainable, equitable and verdant future, there are several ways to sponsor Green Map System. Sponsorships can be tailored to reflect specific interests and support levels. Please contact us at: info@greenmap.org.

We have provided you with three FAQs (frequently asked questions):

This one, which mainly covers the Open Green Map.
GreenMap.org has an overview FAQ (there is a Site Map too).
At GreenMap.org/join, there is a FAQ about becoming a Green Mapmaker.

You may also enjoy the articles and stories that have been written about us.

There is much more to explore at GreenMap.org! If you have looked around the website's hundreds of pages and still have questions, our staff can help you by email. You can reach us by mail at PO Box 249, New York, NY 10002, or by phone at +1 212 674 1631. Our Contact link on the bottom of every page.

We hope your experience with the Open Green Map, our local Green Maps, and our other online resources are truly helpful and inspiring to you. We welcome your feedback, testimonials and suggestions.

This quick guide assumes you are a registered Green Mapmaker and are already at the Open Green Map section of the website.

1. Login on the upper right, using the same username and password as at GreenMap.org (or, simply login if you are a Team Leader)
2. On the top menu, hover over My OGM and click My maps’. Then click the Open Green Map you want to add to, then click ‘Add site’. (see below to Add a new map)
3. Enter information
4. Submit – before you click submit nothing will be saved!

A basic guide created by Rockland Green Map for all Mapmakers is available as a PDF document in the link at the bottom of this page.

AttachmentSize
Open Green Map How-To.pdf51.21 KB

You can manage all your Open Green Maps in the ‘My OGM’ link located at the top of the screen.

Under roles on the Open Green Map platform, Mapmakers are called Team Leaders. When logged in, each map's map Team Member list is accessed from a tab over the map. Later, more team organization tools will be added here.

The Mapmaker can invite a Coordinator(s) or Team Members to help create and manage each OGM map. Both can add new sites that will appear instantly, with their username on the bottom of each site.

The Coordinator has additional permissions so they can help manage the project. Coordinators can edit any of the sites on the map, invite team members and make widgets.

If you seek help, on the Map form, enable requests under Building Your Map Team (access by clicking Edit above your map).

Only Registered Mapmakers (Team Leaders) can create a new Green Map. Log in and on the top right side of the screen under My OGM click ‘Create content’, then select ‘Green Map’. Fill in the information in the fields provided. You can edit and change this information later.

Remember: Click Submit to save your new Green Map!

First you need to search for the Open Green Map that you want to contribute. Click the Add a Site tab, located on top of every map. Then, fill out some basic information about the site (* = mandatory)...

Name of site *: Provide the name of your Green Site (sites can have the same name).

Primary Icon *: You have to pick an icon. This icon will be the one showing up on the map, so pick the one most true to your site.

Secondary Icon (Optional): The icon will show up inside the info-window, when someone clicks on the site icon. A maximum of 6 icons is allowed (with 6 icons it may look a little cluttered – it is up to you to judge).

Details *: The information entered here will show up in the second large info-window (shown when the user clicks on the plus sign in the first small info-window). You can put any text in here - description of the site, opening hours, etc. Remember that the first 100 words are the most important, so avoid lengthy descriptions, or break it up in paragraphs!

Maps: This is an important step to remember! If your Mapmaking team has more than one Green Map on the OGM, they will be listed here. Regardless of having one or more maps, you will need to check the box to which map the site should belong (or both or all, if applicable). You also need to decide whether this site should be public yet or not. If your Open Green Map is not yet public, you may as well check ‘Public’ and the site will only be public when the map goes public.

Private map: Check this box when your map is under construction or you don’t want the map to be public yet.

There are three ways of adding the location:

Option 1. Type in the street address, city, state, and/or country and when you submit the site it will automatically find the location for you (you should check this after you submit the site to make sure the site is in the right place).
Note: The address you type here will also show up in the information about the site, in the info-window (under the site name, above the tabs and details).

Option 2. Latitude and longitude. Usually you do not need to enter the latitude and longitude. Google will try and calculate these for you based on the address.

Option 3. Set the location using the Google Map. If there is no address for the site, or Google calculates the wrong location, you can use the map to set the location. Here is how: use either Map, Satellite, or Hybrid in the Map settings (upper right corner) and click in the general location of your Green Site (without zooming in) and the map will position the marker and zoom in one step. Then continue to click at the right location to get closer and closer and eventually in the correct spot (the platform will zoom in for every click you make and increase the map details). It is important to zoom in all the way in to make sure the green site will be in the right spot.

Save your Green Site and add it to your Green Map by clicking SUBMIT.

This text can be formatted with simple HTML code. Click the link provided: ‘More information for formatting options’. The simplest things are in bold, in italics, numbered or bulleted text.

Some Suggestions...
- If you want to keep your Green Site information formatted and typed the same way, be sure to note how you did it for the first site. Then it is simple to follow your style for each site you list (see more below under ‘Details’).

- It will look nice if you keep the format consistent for all sites of a certain icon. For example, all detail fields for farmer’s markets have Location, When, Season and contact information listed.

- To minimize aggravations of lost data, you can collect your Green Site information in another format (text document, database, table, etc.).

- What is important is to enter at least the required data and then save by clicking Submit on the bottom of the page.

This is very important because the opening view of your map should be set up so viewers can find the site. Set the map to what view you want others to see when they visit your Green Site. Choose between Map, Satellite, Hybrid, or Terrain views. Also be sure to zoom in and center your site so it can be can easily recognized by viewers.

Note: You can try something and submit changes to see how it looks and if, after viewing it, you want to make changes, you can edit it!

Advanced Details: Optional but very useful. The information you enter here (for web address, email, and telephone) will show up under the site name in the second info-window, above the tabs and details.

Web Address – http:// etc.

E-mail – Make sure you enter a valid email address and that it is appropriate to share this online. An info[at]sitename[dot]org is generally better than personal.name[at]site[dot]org.

Telephone – Same thing here, a general switchboard number is better than a personal one if possible. If a personal number is the only choice, make sure you check with the person. They may get a lot of calls.

If you want, you may check any of these boxes: Children welcome, Accessible, Appointment needed, Accessible by public transport (this information will show on the bottom left of the expanded info-window, with icons to represent each feature: Directions, which will show up under the Connections tab, and Free Entry or Entry costs)

Videos and photos: Images and links to videos will really make your site information more exciting. No image or video data is stored on the OGM; the photos and videos are embedded into the OGM from other websites.

For information on how to add pictures or videos to your site click this link in the FAQ.

The link (to your Green Map profile on GreenMap.org) you want to put in here, is the link that any user would see in the browser if they went to the GreenMap.org website and clicked on your ‘leaf’ on the map showing all the world’s Green Maps. You can, for example, add your own website URL in the subtitle field.

Choose which Green Map® Icons can be used on this Green Map. These are the icons that will only appear on your map and its legend. You can always go back and add more or take out the ones you did not use. The fewer icons you use, the fewer will be listed in the legend.

Sadly, Lines and Areas does not work anymore. We tried many times to fix it but the underlying software has changed too much. Send your comments, improvements and/or solutions to us. It's useful if you send screenshot including the URL if you want to report a bug or to suggest a solution to this issue.

On the Open Green Map, you can chart lines (routes) and areas (polygons) to represent paths such as bike routes or walking tours and areas such as parks or hazardous areas.

The Mapmaker can enable these on the Map Edit form. If they have done so, the Legend shows all the different types. You can hover over each color for the definition. Click on a line or area on the map for its info-window. You can add to the info-window by opening 'more info' then select tabs for comments, ratings, or under Multimedia, add a photo or video, too.

Click here to see a map with lines and areas. If you cannot see lines and areas, try another internet browser (Firefox, Safari, Chrome, etc) or another computer. Or, try a different platform (Mac or PC).

Areas are not filled in, but you can click in the center for the info-window. Click directly on the Line for its info-window.

First, make sure you have enabled Lines & Areas on the Map Edit form. This is on a menu just below the icons.

Then, click the Add an Area tab over that map.

Give it a name. On the map that appears at the top of the Area Form, we suggest zooming in as close as possible, in order to create an accurate polygon. There is a small box in the upper right corner, click it for the drawing tool.

Click on the map to create the starting point of the polygon feature. Click, click, click each corner around the area you want to draw. To complete the area, just double click on the starting point to complete the polygon.

Once you have finished drawing you can move your mouse over the line and drag points to be more precise. You can delete points by right-clicking (PC users) or by pressing the Control key and clicking (Mac users).

DRAWING TIP: If you want to have more flexibility when you are drawing, you can add more points to your area by slightly moving the shaded squared-shape points to any direction. This will recompose your Area.

Suggestion - make this as accurate as possible now. We have found it's very difficult to edit the Area after you have clicked submit.

Complete the rest of the information and don’t forget to click Submit to save your submission.

If you need to edit the information, you can later. If you find you cannot see the area, you will need to remake the whole thing. You can copy-paste the information, but most likely, you will need to draw the area again.

We use the terms Line and Route interchangeably!

If you have yet to do so, enable Lines and Areas toward top of the Map Edit form. Click Submit on the bottom.

Click Add a Route on the tab over your map. On the map that appears at the top, we suggest zooming in as close as possible, in order to create an accurate line. Click on the map to create the starting point of the linear feature. Click, click, click each corner along the path you want to draw. To finish the line, just double-click.

Once you have finished drawing, you can move your mouse over the line and drag points to be more precise. You can delete points by right-clicking (PC users) or by pressing the Control key and clicking (Mac users).

DRAWING TIP: If you want to have more flexibility when you are drawing, you can add more points to your line by slightly moving the shaded squared-shape points to any direction. This will recompose your line.

Complete the rest of the information and don’t forget to click Submit to save your submission.

We have found you cannot edit the line after it is submitted. So be accurate the first time. If you need to change information later, you can, If you must change the line, start with a new Add Route form and copy paste in the existing info. The click Submit.

. If you want to delete it, click Edit, scroll to the bottom and click Delete.

If you are the owner of the map or a Team Member who added/suggested a site, you can edit the information and/or placement of the site, line or area. In order to proceed, you need to login. Click on the site, line or area. Once the info-window is displayed, click on the Edit link, top right inside of this window. You will be directed to the Site Form to make any changes, even delete a site (bottom button). Don’t forget to click Submit to save your changes.

If you don’t have the permission to edit a site, you can post a comment directly to the Green Site or you can contact the Mapmaker through the map's profile (under Info on the right tab).

DRAWING TIP: If you want to have more flexibility when you are drawing, you can add more points to your drawing by slightly moving the shaded squared-shape points to any direction and then you can recompose your line or area [video coming soon]

Log in first. Like adding a site, you will need to click on Add a Site, a tab located on top of every map. Then, at the top of the Site Form, choose Site, Line or Area. The latter two options will reload the page with a special map so you can draw lines and areas.

Start by logging in. Go to your map and click Suggest a Site. However, if you are not a Team Member, at this time, you cannot add them to an Open Green Map.

Switch between the different Map Views (Map, Satellite, Hybrid or Terrain) to have a better contrasting background (click white boxes on the upper right corner of the map to switch).

In the Legend on the right, you can hover over any of the color blocks in the Lines & Areas section for a definition of each color. Also, if you click on a line or area, an info-window will be displayed with detailed information about that specific line or area.

Login at OpenGreenMap.org/home
Under MyOGM, choose My Account.
Click one of the sites you have put on your map

Above the site's title, you will see 3 tabs, View, Edit and Clone.
Click Clone.
It duplicates the site and changes the title to Clone of - Site Name -
Simply change the title, then scroll down to the map.
Move the scale slider almost the way to the top and click the location of this new site.
You can change the address and any other details, then click Submit on the bottom.

This Clone tab is visible on any site that you have made (your user name appears on the site's bottom line.
That is why we suggest going through MyOGM's to My Account, as only your own sites are visible there (whereas Map Dashboard includes sites by others on your map).

Of course, you can start by creating a new site, then clicking its Clone tab.

Cloned sites have all the same features as any other site.

Test

First, have team members register themselves by clicking Get Involved or Create New Account at OpenGreenMap.org/home. (You can do this by clicking Invite new members on a tab over your map)

You should login and go to the map you want to add them to, using MyOGM (or a direct link).
Click:

Map Team (tab over map)
Edit Roles (by any name on the bottom of this page)
Add Members (tab at top)
Type in their username, not their email, to add them to your Map Team.

Then click, Add Users.

Then, click Configure Member Roles.

You can make each a Team member (add and edit just their own sites), Coordinator (edit others' sites, too) or Team Leader (can make new maps, too). Give each just one role.

Click Save Changes.

The Open Green Map platform allows registered Mapmakers and public users to share maps on external websites with easy-to-use widgets and HTML code. We have provided step-by-step embedding instructions so you can begin to share your map immediately. Download the file below.

You can embed the map into Facebook too! Download the tutorial here

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AttachmentSize
Iframe_Tutorial_3-2010.doc3.81 MB

Only registered Green Mapmakers (Team Leaders) can download a CSV file that contains their own Open Green Map's data. The Team Leader has the sole responsibility to authorize their Team Members to download the information for each of their Open Green Maps from this platform.

Note: If you want to lead a Green Map project, details are in this FAQ or click here.

The CVS file's information is quite useful if you are planning to print a Green Map or plan to integrate it into a GIS database. Each CSV file contains the details for every green site such as Site name, Primary, Secondary and Accessibility Icons, URLs, contact information, Geo-location (latitude and longitude), among other details.

You can open this CVS file using a spreadsheet program such as Excel or Calc. If you create a good resource for using the data, please share with other Green Mapmakers by adding it to GreenMap.org's Mapmaking Tools in the Resource section's Tool Center.

Here's how to download the CSV file. Start by logging in, then view the Open Green Map you wish to download. Click the Import/Export tab above your map in order to download that map's CSV file. If you have more than one Open Green Map, repeat the process to import all your site data. Open the CSV file using a spreadsheet program such as Excel or Calc.

Find more information about Importing (currently, quite difficult) and Exporting at that Tab. Over time, we expect to create more advanced tools for this purpose.

Currently, you can only copy and paste into the Open Green Map's Site Form.

Green Map System is working to develop a spreadsheet that will let you upload batch information from your computer, especially useful when you are collecting and editing site data offline. Read what else is underway at In Progress.

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