Bristolstreets.co.uk uses Google maps to show the map on the site. Unlike many other sites which simply include a small map on a normal page, here the map is the site and the site is the map. Therefore understanding some simple basic techniques for moving around the map will be very useful.

Moving the map

Moving the map is simply a matter of clicking and dragging the map as if it were a large paper map that you are viewing through a hole in the screen.

When you click on a marker near the edge of the map, the map will move automatically so that the marker information window is fully in view.

Zooming in and out

The site opens zoomed in on central Bristol. If you want to see somewhere else, you can just click and drag the map in that direction. However, if the place you want to see is any distance from the centre, then that is a laborious way to move around.

It is better to zoom out so you can see more of the surrounding area and then zoom in on the place you want to go to. To zoom out, click on the command "out" in the control strip at the top of the page. This will zoom out one level. You can zoom out further by clicking the dots on the left of the zoom slider control.

When you have spotted where you want to view in more detail, click the "zoom" command in the control strip and then click and drag a rectangle around the area you are interested in. This will zoom the map in around the area you selected.

Area names

Sometimes it is easier to navigate by area names. Click the "areas" command in the control strip and the side bar will show a list of place names. Clicking on a place name will move the map to centre that area, you can then zoom in or out to taste.

Map overview control

In the bottom right corner of the map is a miniature map which shows the area of the main map and some of the surrounding area. This not only helps you to understand where the big map is positioned, but also lets you move the main map.

You can click and drag the miniature map, just like the main map and since it is much smaller you do not have to move the mouse as far to move longer distances. When you release the mouse button after moving the miniature map, the main map will move to show the same place as is centred in the miniature map.