We recently updated many of our major city maps to AJAX formatting for easier, faster and smoother navigation. The only problem is, without the navigational arrows of those pre-AJAX maps, many of our users are left pondering, “How do you work this thing?” Thank you for the feedback and now we will answer your questions once and for all!

How to move the map After selecting an area on the United States map or drop down bar on the homepage, you will be taken to a map of that area. If you don’t see the exact area that you are interested in, don’t fret! All you need to do is move the map around to focus it on the area you want. Simply left click anywhere directly on the map and, while holding the clicker down, drag the map toward your area of interest and release. Its that easy! Also, if you are resistant to change and enjoy the arrow navigation of old, simply use the arrow compass in the upper-left hand corner of the map. Just click on the direction you want the map to move and voila! The map will gently pan a bit in the direction you indicated. Don’t you love the interactive nature of AJAX instead of having to reload a page at a time?!

Zooming If you are trying to get a closer look at an area, like if you are trying to see all of the incident symbols in a congested area, you will need to zoom in. You can do this in two ways. One way is to double click the left clicker of the mouse directly on the area of interest. This will zoom you in for a closer look and can be done two or three time depending on your initial perspective. Another way is to use the plus and minus zooming tool in the upper-left hand corner of the map, directly under the arrow compass. By clicking the plus sign, the map will zoom in a level. By clicking the minus sign, the map will zoom out a level. There are four levels in total for all of your zooming needs!

Right-click Navigation By simply right clicking on the map, you can pretty much do any of the navigation described above. When you right click, a small text box will pop up with the following options: zoom in, zoom out, up, down, left, right. As you might guess, all that you need to do now is left click on whichever option you want to use. Not too shabby!

Well, now you have it people. You are now officially masters of the new AJAX maps. Just think of all that you can do with a simple click of the finger. Feel this new obtained power and revel in it!