iMapBuilder is an easy-to-use software, which let you create annotated and interactive Flash maps through our templates or from imported map images. If you know Flash programming, or want to handle data from outside data sources like a database or an Excel file, we also provide FlashiMap templates. You may need a more advanced map which is suitable for a customized project. This FAQ provides some insights for some of the common questions we have received from our clients.

Q: What is the difference between the 2 packages? FLA/SWF and XML/SWF? Which one would be easier for "non-flash" users?

The XML version would be easier for "non-flash" users, as all you need to modify the map settings is by using a text editor to change the variables in an XML file. The FLA source files are for editing using Adobe Flash and programming skill is required.

Q: Why are your map templates delivered in either Flash or in XML, but not both?

A: They are of different directions: Flash source code are for advanced and skilled Flash programmers, in which they can make use of Adobe Flash to further change the map to suit his needs. XML version includes no source file, but an external XML file to set up the map with color, links and borders. They target those who does not know Flash, but would require some of the customization work done by themselves.

Q: We do not know anything about Flash programming but we really like a Flash map. Do we really need to learn Flash programming in order to change the map?

A: Not necessary. We provide XML-based Flash map templates as well as customization solutions. The map can be controlled by an external XML file and you do not need to learn Flash programming, nor paying hundereds of bucks to purchase Adobe Flash software. The XML file is a text file which can be edited in any text editor (NotePad, TextEdit etc.) and we can customize it to setup the coloring, links and the information to be displated in the information box (both text and images supported).

Q: Can you customize the background of the maps? How about company logos, colors, etc?

A: The background and the company logo can be changed in the FLA version as some programming is required. If you are using our XML-based maps, you can easily change the colors using iMapBuilder

Q: Can the country names and the red lines and dots be deleted?

A: If you are using our templates with Flash source code, you can virtually change everything using Adobe Flash.

Q: How to pinpoint the locations and hotspots on the map? Is it possible to use GPS coordinates?

A: There are 2 ways to plot your hotspots on the map: by x,y coordinates with respective to the map, or by longitude and latitude values (or GPS coordinates). The latter one is more accurate but requires support from the map. If you get our XML-based Flash Map templates, you can manage your pinpoints in the XML file which comes with the template.

Q: Could I plot locations on the map by the city/state/country names, addresses or ZIP codes?

A: Map locations are plotted with longitude and latitude values if you need a certain degree of accuracy. A conversion of the city/state/country names, addresses or ZIP codes to their corresponding longitude and latitude values would be required. There are 2 ways to do with this conversion:

1. 3rd-party geocoding databases can be used. There are free and paid services in the market. You may either converts all the place names or ZIP codes prior to plotting, or a system can be setup to look up the longitude and latitude values on-the-fly.
2. Google Maps and its API can be utilized as the conversion tool. The usage is not entirely free. If the map is used internally, for asset tracking or it is a paid service, an annual subscription is required based on the page views per map or number of users ultilizing the map.

Q: We would like to show dynamic data on the map at runtime. Can your maps connect to a database?

A: It is possible for us to customize our Flash maps to load data from your database dynamically. We also have XML-based maps so that you can write programs to generate the XML file with your database data for your map.

Q: Can you use our Excel file to populate data on the map?

A: Yes. The Excel file would be converted to a CSV file to import into the map. Since the Excel data file would be different from one project to another, we would suggest sending us the Excel data file for the best solution.
You can also import your Excel data file into iMapBuilder to create a heat map. You may refer to this article for the steps.

Q: I have 1,000 locations. Can I download specific city locations from an Excel spreadsheet into iMapBuilder?

A: We would suggest using a database to hold all the relevant data, and do a custom map with longitude and latitude support for automatally importing all the locations you have.

Q: We want to create a sales map and we divide the US into several regions. Could you help to draw these regions for us?

A: Yes, we can create custom regions graphically, and write the code to gain interactivity for each of the regions. A sample map showing the regions is required.

Q: Can I export the map onto PowerPoint?

A: You can export the map as a static image and place onto PowerPoint slide. Please note that PowerPoint does not play well with Flash, so if you want to preserve the interactive features, you can embed the map to a web page to show.