Every MapMax marker needs a reliable location and enough content to identify it. The best data source depends on who maintains the locations and how often they change.

Use manual MapMax Item child stacks

Manual items are the simplest option for a short list that changes rarely. Add one MapMax Item child stack per location and complete the available fields:

  • Name: the location title used in the list and popup.

  • Address: readable address or area information.

  • Description: supporting text shown with the location.

  • URL: the destination for the optional information button.

  • Latitude and longitude: decimal GPS coordinates for the marker.

  • Image: an optional image for the sidebar or popup.

Use a CSV file

Choose CSV when locations are maintained in a spreadsheet or exported by another service. Start with the MapMax example supplied with the product and keep one location per row.

  • Keep column names and the selected MapMax field mapping consistent.

  • Use decimal latitude and longitude values, with latitude and longitude in the correct fields.

  • Quote values that contain commas or line breaks.

  • Make the published CSV file available to the page without editor authentication.

Use Total CMS 1 or Total CMS 3

MapMax supports both Total CMS generations. Use the supplied helper and setup examples to expose the location fields required by the map. MapMax 1.5 improves handling of Total CMS 3 marker and filter fields as well as rich content used in descriptions.

The MapMax Helper workflow for Total CMS 1 can fill latitude and longitude from an address. Configure it with the correct Blog ID and verify the generated coordinates before publishing a large collection.

Use the optional Feeds Stack

MapMax can also receive data through the Feeds Stack from Weavers.Space. Treat it like any other external source: confirm that each feed item contains the location, display, and optional filter values expected by MapMax.

Keep the records consistent

  • Give every location a distinct, useful name.

  • Use the same spelling for filter values that should form one group.

  • Optimize images before adding them to large location lists.

  • Remove empty records and invalid coordinates.

  • Publish a small sample first, then expand the dataset.

Verify the result

After publishing, compare the number of source records with the number of visible locations. Reset active filters, search for several names, and select both clustered and individual markers. For display controls, see Configuring MapMax sidebars, filters, markers, and popups.