Gmap4 - Share Enhanced Google Maps

New user Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Last updated on May 7, 2012

Question: How do I download the Gmap4 program?
Answer: You do not need to download anything in order to use Gmap4. The Gmap4 program runs online. This means that there is nothing for you to download. Also, you do not have to install anything on your computer in order to use Gmap4. Think about Google search or Google maps. You do not have to download or install anything on your computer in order to use those programs. Gmap4 works in exactly the same manner.

Question: How do I start Gmap4?
Answer: You start Gmap4 by putting a URL into your browser bar. It is just that easy.

Question: How do I make a Gmap4 URL?
Answer: A Gmap4 URL has 2 parts:

Part 1 (required): http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php
This first part of the URL is the path to the Gmap4 code which is hosted on the MappingSupport server.
If you just enter this required part of the URL into your browser bar, then you will see a map of the world.

Part 2 (optional): One or more URL parameters. The purpose of URL parameters is to control the initial map you see on your screen. By using URL parameters you can control things like the initial zoom amount, initial map center, whether your location is shown, whether a GPS-related data file is displayed and more.

Question: How can I easily and quickly learn more about using URL parameters with Gmap4?
Answer: Take a look at the examples and notice how each URL is built. The 'Help' file has more detailed information about the URL parameters that are recognized by the Gmap4 program.

Question: Can I use Gmap4 on my smartphone or iPad?
Answer: Yes and you do not need to download or install anything. When you start Gmap4 on a smartphone, iPod or Blackberry then you will see special buttons that are designed for small touch screens. Gmap4 is a web application that runs in most modern browsers. Gmap4 does not care whether the browser is on your desktop, laptop, notebook, iPad, phone or other device. However, the browser must be online to the internet.
Want a fast way to start Gmap4? Just add one or more Gmap4 URLs as bookmarks in your browser.

Question: Can Gmap4 read files from my local hard drive?
Answer: No. You must place your data file online in order to display it with Gmap4. You can use the free Google Sites to place your files online. The Gmap4 Help file has detailed instructions for using Google Sites. Another free file hosting site is dropbox.com.

Question: Can I 'save' the map I see on my screen?
Answer: No and yes.
No, you cannot 'save' that map in the normal way that you save a file.
Yes, you can save a Gmap4 URL that will reproduce the same map view that you see on your screen. Click Menu ==> Show map URL. Notice the various URL parameters. If you copy that URL and paste it into a new browser bar, then you will see the same map on your screen. You can email that URL, post it in a forum or put it on a website and whoever clicks that link will see the same map on their screen.

Question: Can I put Gmap4 links on my Facebook page?
Answer: Yes.
Somehow or another you found out about Gmap4. If you enjoy using it, perhaps some of your friends would enjoy using it also. With that in mind, I have a favor to ask of you. If you are on Facebook, then please consider saying something about Gmap4 on your Facebook site. And if you include a map link in your post, then that will help your friends see what Gmap4 is all about.

Question:Why does Gmap4 display three different sets of topographic maps for the USA?
Answer: The "t4 Topo High" maps are provided by caltopo.com and are higher resolution than online topographic maps provided by most other sources. The "t2 MyTopo" maps (medium resolution) are still provided since they include the updated information that was added to the maps by the U.S. Forest Service. The "t3 Topo USGS" maps (low resolution) are included since occasionally they show an abandoned trail that does not appear on the other maps.

Question:I tried to look at the topographic maps labeled "t4 Topo High" and only got a blank screen. Why?
Answer: These high resolution topographic maps only cover the USA. For more information on these new maps, please read the "CalTopo" section in the Gmap4 Help file.

Question: I read somewhere that Gmap4 does not have any ads. Why are there ad buttons on the screen when I look at the MyTopo maps?
Answer: In 2011 the MyTopo Company was purchased by the Trimble Company. In late 2011 Trimble issued new Terms Of Service. Displaying those ad buttons is the 'price' that Trimble charges in order for Gmap4 to continue displaying the MyTopo topographic maps at no cost.

Question: Can I use Gmap4 on a commercial website?
Answer: Yes. There is a modest annual license fee and your site must comply with Google's terms of use. More information for commercial users.

Question: Can I post Gmap4 URLs in forums or on websites where the user is required to pay a fee to access the forum or website?
Answer: Please do not. Doing so most likely violates section 9.1 of the following terms of service from Google: http://code.google.com/apis/maps/terms.html. Also, since Gmap4 is intended to be free, no one should be trying to make money from it.

Question: I tried the 'My location' feature but it did a poor job of finding me on the map. Why is that?
Answer:Either the wifi and/or the GPS in your mobile device is likely turned off. Please double check to make certain that both of these services are turned on and then try the 'My location' feature again. For the GPS to work best you need a good view of the sky.

Reminder: If Gmap4 does not seem to work, particularly when you use the 3D Earth view, then please clear your browser's cache and try again.