Help - GLOTTER

General/Troubleshouting

What can I do on GLOTTER?

Create personalized world maps and add placemarks with information (text, images, videos). Share interesting places, create maps with useful gadgets or tell about great experiences. You can give your fancy full scope and if you want to you can also embed your maps in external websites.
Furthermore you can even easily connect Slideshows (e.g. Web Album or a Album) with a World map or embed videos ().

I like the concept of GLOTTER. How can I support the plattform?

If you like the website you can support GLOTTER by posting new (high quality) entries. You can also tell your friends www.glotter.com/tell-a-friend about the community. If you have new suggestions don't hesitate to contact us.

I found a Bug! Where can I report it?

Please report any bugs (inform us about your browser version and possibly a screenshot) here: www.glotter.com/contact. Thank you for your support. Old browsers prior to Internet Explorer 6 are not supported any more. We recommend switching to the latest version of your favorite browser.

I think that an entry violates the legal terms!

Please send us a message with a short comment and the weblink/ID at www.glotter.com/contact. You can also click at the Report-link right by every entry to send us a message.

I can't open a page and/or receive an error message.

GLOTTER.com uses "AJAX" technology - so your browser has to support JavaScript. Change your browser settings/Internet-options to activate JavaScript. If you still have problems let us know: www.glotter.com/contact

How can i zoom into the map?

Zooming is possible by using the navigation keys, by double-clicking on the map or by using the Scroll wheel (in Fullscreen-Mode).

How can I move the map?

Simply move the pointer while you press the mouse key or use the navigation keys in the map.

I want to view maps in Google Earth 3D mode!

You need a small Browser Plugin to view maps in 3D in Google Earth mode: Google Earth API

How does locationbased "Tracking" work? Do I have to worry about my privacy?

When you activate and approve "Tracking" the locationbased data of your IP-address and possibly nearby wireless access points will be used to get an estimate of your location. Accuracy varies greatly from location to location. An important note: Your data will not be stored or transfered to others without your permission.
The purpose of this tool is better usability. You can receive your current position (for a new placemark) with a single click.
Please keep in mind that this function is not implemented in all Web browsers. More info: W3C API

The Preview images are broken and show a weird image instead!

GLOTTER.com uses the Google Static Maps API, to generate Preview images. Use of Google Static Maps is subject to a query limit per viewer per day. If a user exceeds the limit, the following image will be displayed indicating that the quota has been exceeded:

After 24 hours the Preview images should be displayed correctly again. Thanks for your understanding!

My Account

Do I need to register an account?

If you want to create a new map you have to sign in and provide some details like e-Mail address, Username and password.

What characters can I use for my Username?

Your Username may only contain alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, no space)!

I can't solve the CAPTCHA!

The reCAPTCHA is tool that helps preventing Spam. Just enter the two words you see in the box. If you can't solve a Captcha, you can generate a new one by clicking on the Reload icon.

I have registered an account but can't sign in!

Did you enter a correct e-Mail address? Did you receive a "Welcome e-Mail" with an activation link? Did you click on the link? Your browser must accept cookies to use your User account.

I haven't received the activation e-Mail!

Did you register with a correct e-Mail address? Look for the e-Mail in your Spam-folder! Wait some minutes and check your e-Mails again! If you have any questions contact us here: www.glotter.com/contact

I forgot my password...

No problem! Just enter your e-Mail address here www.glotter.com/reset. You will receive a automatically generated password immediately! Afterwards you can sign in and change the password in your User profile.

Ich have changed my e-Mail addresse, but can't login with the new one.

Your new e-Mail address needs to be confirmed before it gets activated. Just click on the activation link you have received via e-Mail.

Is it possible to add my "Google Latitude" location to my User profile?

You can add any KML URL to your profile and publish your residence or your current "Google Latitude" position. Privacy notice: Please keep in mind that all visitors can see your location!
Example-URL for a "Google Latitude" KML :
http://www.google.com/latitude/apps/badge/api?user=1234567891011121314&type=kml

I want to delete my User profile!

It's a pity that you decided to leave GLOTTER. Please note that all your data (Userdata, entries, comments, friendslist) will be deleted permanently. If you decide to delete your account and all data you have to sign in, "Edit your User profile" and scroll down to the "Delete" Button and click on it. Please give us Feedback at http://www.glotter.com/feedback and tell us the reason why you decided to delete your account.

My maps

Is it possible to create "personal" maps that don't appear in any category?

You can also generate personal maps that are not be listed in any category! Just select "Private" when creating your entry. Private entries only show up on your personal User profile. If you share the weblink, everybody can access your map.

I want to embed a map in my personal Website/Blog!

If it's apparent that the map was created with GLOTTER (e.g. backlink to the original entry) you can also embed the maps in external websites. Just click on the link "Embed in website" which you can find right by every entry-page and paste the HTML-code into your website-content. If required you can customize the size of the map.

Google Maps "Getting Started" video

Why is embedding disabled for some maps?

Entries that are in "private mode" can't be embedded in external websites. If you want to use this function you have to change the category to "public".

Where can I find my maps?

All your maps are listed on your personal User profile. Sign in to retrieve even your private entries!

Can I set the initial viewstate (coordinates, zoomlevel) of an entry?

By default the map gets adjusted to the bounds of the placemarks. To manually adjust the viewstate you have to add two parameters, coordinates (latlng) and zoomlevel (zoom), to the URL.

e.g. Zoom in Washington D.C in the entry "World cities and flags":
http://www.glotter.com/entry-2?latlng=38.89,-77.03&zoom=11

Can I adjust the initial viewmode (Satellite, Roadmap, etc.) of an entry?

To manually adjust the viewtype you have to add the parameter "maptype" to the URL and set a viewmode (roadmap, satellite, hybrid, terrain).

e.g. Satellite-View
http://www.glotter.com/entry-2?maptype=satellite

I would like to work together with others on a map I created. Is it possible?

You can collaborate with other users and allow them to add placemarks by selecting the category "Collab" in the Edit mode. Please note however that the collaboration is only possible with users who are friends with you in your profile.
Send the Edit-Link to your friends and invite them to support you. If an user sees the following icon it's possible for her/him to add placemarks!

Of course the user, who created the entry, has full control over the content and can delete inappropriate placemarks if necessary!

What is MultiMap?

"MultiMap" is a simple Collaboration feature that "combines" multiple entries on a single map. It works with all public entries and placemarks created with GLOTTER. Just separate the entry-ids with a comma (,) in the URL - That's all!

e.g. MultiMap New York
http://www.glotter.com/entry-1737,1726,1725,1711,1600,1573,1531,1506,1464?latlng=40.7144,-74.0060&zoom=11&maptype=satellite

Please not that the space (memory capacity) per MultiMap is limited. If you see an empty map you possibly have to deactivate some entries by clicking on the checkbox.

Is it possible to create a copy of an entry?

Your own entries or entries that have a "Creative Commons" licence applied can be copied and adapted. Follow these steps to create a copy of an entry:
1. Sign in
2. Open the entry in "Normal view"
3. Click on the button

Finally the entry can be modified in the Edit mode!

Create a map

How can I categorize my entries? What are Tags?

Just use tags by adding keywords to the according input field when creating your entry. "Tags" describe your entry - relevant tags that still exist combine similar entries and display them in a Tagcloud. Furthermore relevant maps are shown besides the entries.

e.g. Tags that describe a world travel with photo slideshow (separated by space or comma):
worldtravel summer 2007 photos slideshow

How can I edit/delete my entries?

Right after saving the new entry you can update your information/settings. By clicking on the Edit-Icon on your personla User profile, you can access the edit mask.

How can I edit/delete markers?

Just click on a placemark in the map to go to the Edit modes.

How do I get the coordinates/position of my placemarks?

You don't have to worry about the coordinates of a placemark. Just use the Geocoder-function ... which is really easy ... and search for any address or place name (and the country name) - you can also drag n drop the Marker to adjust the position. Try the Geocoder at www.glotter.com/geocoder (no Login required!).

How many markers can be added to a map?

You can add a maximum of 100 markers per entry.

Can I add my own KML/KMZ-data?

If you want to add your own KML- or KMZ-files you need to upload the file in the Edit-mode.

I want to add Street View imagery to my entry. How does it work?

Go to the Street View Mode and search for a location. If Street View is available you'll see an image. Now you can adjust the view, copy the Street View URL and paste it into the Street View field in the Edit-mode.
Sample URL of a Street View Link:
http://www.glotter.com/streetview?latlng=37.4209,-122.0841&yaw=0&pitch=5&zoom=0

I want to embed a photo slideshow (Picasa, Flickr, Photobucket) and/or video (YouTube, MyVideo, Vimeo, Dailymotion) into my entry. How does it work?

Photos: Just paste the Media RSS URL of your photo slideshow into the "Slideshow-field"!

Sample URL of a Slideshow:
http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds/photos_public.gne?id=8331815@N03&format=rss_200

Sample URL of a Web Album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/data/feed/base/user/glotter.com/albumid/ 5163218328084042321?kind=photo&alt=rss

Sample URL of a Slideshow:
http://feed.photobucket.com/images/color/feed.rss

Video: Copy the Video URL and paste it into the "Video-field"!

Sample URL of a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o9OBeq5gnA

Sample URL of a video:
http://www.myvideo.de/watch/5820499

Sample URL of a video:
http://vimeo.com/14173983

Sample URL of a video:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10y0l_element-rise-up-skate-video-full_sport

I can't find the weblink to the Media RSS Feed (Slideshow of my photos)!

: Open a photostream or a group pool, scroll down and click on Subscribe to ... "Latest". Virtually every Flickr-Feed should work - just consider that the suffix of your RSS Feed must be "&format=rss_200"!

: Open a gallery and click on the RSS-Feed button in your Browser or scroll down and click on "RSS" in the right column of your Web Album. Further information: http://picasa.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=47351

: Open the photos and click on the RSS-Feed button in your Browser or scroll down and click on the RSS-Icon in the Footer of your gallery. Further information: http://pic.pbsrc.com/help/Content/RSS/OverviewRSS.htm

What can I do with the "Logbook" function?

If you activate the Logbook function, all information from your placemarks (title, date, coordinates, description, etc.) are listed below your map. You can keep a "travel diary" or create a "Geo Blog" and download the calendar data in the iCAL file format and import it into your calendar application (e.g. Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, Novell GroupWise, Apple iCal, Google Calendar, Facebook, etc.).
Furthermore you can take a tour ("Auto-Playback") of your entry in Google Earth mode (Google Earth 5.0+ standalone or Browser Plugin required!).

I want to connect all of my markers with a line! What do I have to do?

1. Open the "Advanced Options" in the Edit Mode and choose a line color.

2. "First come - first served principle" ... A line is generated between two placemarks depending on their individuell timestamps. The timestamp (date and time) of any placemark can be edited manually in the extended Marker-Edit-Mode (e.g. 2000-12-24 12:00:00).

How can I colorize complete countries?

Territories can only be colorized if a placemark has been added to the country. Create a new marker (e.g. capital of the country) on the world map, go to "More options" and select a color:

That's it!
Please note that you can only mark areas of entire countries!

I want to activate the Google Earth Tour-playback. What do I have to do?

Create a new entry and activate "Logbook". Now you can view the tour in Google Earth 3D-Mode (Google Earth 5.0+ standalone or Browser Plugin required!) by clicking on the Play-Button.
A tipp: If you add the exact timestamp (date and time) to your placemark you can even see the correct position of the sun at the specific time.

What's "Creative Commons"?

If the creator has applied the Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed) to an entry, other Users are free to create a copy and adapt it to their needs!