Exploring the Map
Master the interactive map and discover the hidden history all around you. This guide covers everything from basic navigation to advanced search techniques.
The When It Was interactive map is your portal to exploring local history. Click any location to see every business that's occupied that spot, browse historical photos, and read community stories. Here's how to make the most of it.
Getting Started
When you first open the map, you'll see a bird's-eye view of the coverage area with markers indicating locations in our database. The map interface is intuitive, but here's what you need to know.
Basic Navigation
- Zoom In/Out: Use the +/- buttons or mouse wheel to zoom. Double-click to zoom in quickly.
- Pan the Map: Click and drag to move around the map area.
- Reset View: Click the home icon to return to the default view.
- Fullscreen Mode: Expand the map to fullscreen for better viewing on desktop.
- Mobile Gestures: Use pinch-to-zoom and swipe gestures on touchscreens.
Understanding Map Markers
Markers on the map indicate locations with historical information. The color and style of markers provide quick visual cues about what you'll find there.
Marker Types
- Gold Markers: Locations with multiple businesses documented across different eras.
- Blue Markers: Locations with photos available in our archive.
- Green Markers: Recently added locations or those with new content.
- Clustered Markers: When zoomed out, nearby markers group together. Click clusters to zoom in.
Click any marker to open a popup with basic information. From there, click "View Full Details" to see the complete history of that location, including all businesses, photos, and community comments.
Search and Discovery
The search bar at the top of the map helps you quickly find specific addresses, businesses, or areas. Search is smart and updates results in real-time as you type.
How to Search
- By Address: Type street numbers and names (e.g., "123 Main Street").
- By Business Name: Enter the name of any business, past or present.
- By Intersection: Search using cross streets (e.g., "Main and Oak").
- By Landmark: Try well-known building or place names.
- By Neighborhood: Search by area or district names.
Search results appear in a dropdown list below the search bar. Click any result to jump directly to that location on the map and see its details.
Using the Timeline Slider
The timeline slider lets you travel through time and see how locations changed over the decades. Slide left to go back in time, right to move forward.
Timeline Features
- Filter by Era: Move the slider to see only businesses that existed during specific time periods.
- Decade Markers: The slider shows decade increments from the 1950s to present.
- Watch Changes: See markers appear and disappear as businesses open and close.
- Pause on Specific Years: Click the slider to jump to exact years.
- Animation Mode: Use the play button to automatically scroll through time.
The timeline is particularly powerful for understanding how neighborhoods evolved. You might discover that today's trendy shopping district was once industrial, or that a quiet residential area used to be bustling with commerce.
For detailed timeline instructions, see our Using the Timeline Slider guide.
Exploring Specific Locations
The real magic happens when you dive deep into individual locations. Each location page shows the complete history of that address.
What You'll Find
- Business Timeline: Chronological list of every business at that address.
- Historical Photos: Images showing how the location looked in different eras.
- Detailed Information: Business types, operating dates, interesting facts.
- Community Comments: Stories and memories shared by local residents.
- Nearby Locations: Quick links to explore adjacent addresses.
- Share Options: Share interesting locations with friends or on social media.
Location pages are continuously updated as contributors add new information. Check back periodically to see if new photos or stories have been added to your favorite locations.
Learn more in our Viewing Location Details guide.
Mobile Map Experience
The map works beautifully on mobile devices, making it perfect for on-the-go historical exploration. Take it with you on walking tours!
Mobile-Specific Features
- Location Awareness: Enable location services to see your current position on the map.
- Nearby Mode: Automatically highlights locations close to where you're standing.
- Simplified Interface: Streamlined controls optimized for smaller screens.
- Offline Bookmarks: Save favorite locations to view later without internet.
- Touch-Optimized: Large tap targets and gesture-friendly navigation.
The mobile experience is designed for spontaneous discovery. See an interesting building? Pull out your phone, find it on the map, and learn its complete history.
Tips for Effective Exploration
Make the Most of Your Map Experience
- Start Local: Begin by exploring your own neighborhood or places you're familiar with.
- Follow Curiosity: Click on businesses with interesting names to learn their stories.
- Compare Eras: Use the timeline to compare how areas looked in different decades.
- Read Comments: Community stories often contain fascinating details not found elsewhere.
- Share Discoveries: When you find something interesting, share it with friends who might appreciate it.
- Check Back Often: New content is added regularly as contributors submit information.
Need Help?
If you encounter any issues with the map or have questions about how to use specific features, check our Troubleshooting Guide or visit the FAQ page. You can also contact us directly for assistance.