Frequently Asked Questions

How is FotoMaps different from other Flash photo galleries?

FotoMaps is a flash photo gallery that displays your photos on a map. Each of your photos is placed exactly where you want, so it's shown in relation to its location. This geographical context gives your photos more meaning. It allows them to tell a story. See how it works. Try our demo.

FotoMaps also has a very unique interface that allows you to explore your photos in a 3D environment. You can zoom in or out and drag the map around. It is intuitive to navigate and very fun to use.

I don’t know how to use Flash. Can I still use FotoMaps?

Absolutely! Everything you do to customize your map or update your photos is done through simple external text files. You do not need to know how to use Flash to use FotoMaps. You do not even need Flash software, or any other special software. All you need is a simple text editor like Notepad. For instruction on setting up your FotoMap gallery see our User Guide.

Do I need Photoshop or other photo editing software to use FotoMaps?

No, it’s not technically necessary. However you will find photo editing software helpful should you choose to resize or optimize your images before adding them to your FotoMap.

Is FotoMaps Mac compatible?

Of course. All that's required to edit your FotoMap is a simple text editor. Mac user's can use TextEdit or BBEdit.

Do I get to choose my map?

Yes. We have a variety of ready-made maps available for download from our map library. If you don't see what you are looking for you can request a map. If you know Flash you may also build your own map (see these tips).

How does FotoMaps load photos?

FotoMaps loads your photo data from an external XML file. You specify information like width, height, location, caption, etc., and your FotoMap uses that information to load your photo into the gallery.

This means that the FotoMaps SWF file simply displays your photos. You never have to edit the Flash file to update your FotoMap. If you want to make changes to photos, colors, or text, all you have to do is edit an external XML file and the changes will automatically be reflected in your FotoMap.

Do I need to know anything about XML?

No, although some basic knowledge of HTML may make it a bit easier. Our User Guide takes you through each step of customizing and updating your FotoMap so that you can easily do it yourself regardless of experience with code. You can get a feeling for this process by reading through the User Guide.

How many photos can I have on my FotoMap?

There is no limit. You can include as many photos as you want in your FotoMaps gallery.

Also, if you have a bunch of photos all from the same location, you can group them into a slideshow.

Can I load SWF files instead of JPG photos into my FotoMap?

This is possible, but FotoMaps was not built with this purpose in mind. If you specify a SWF file instead of a JPG image for the photo path, you can load any kind of Flash movie you want - text, animation , audio, video, etc. Beware that loading memory intensive files into your FotoMap may slow it down.

Is FotoMaps hosted for me?

No. FotoMaps is a collection of files that you must upload along with your photos to your own web space to publish. If you do not have your own web hosting account, you can sign up for inexpensive or free hosting from many services online (try Yahoo, Dreamhost, 1&1, Freewebs).

You can also share your FotoMap without publishing it to the web by burning your FotoMap files to a CD and giving it out to your friends and family.

If you would be interested in signing up for a hosted FotoMaps service, please contact us and let us know. We may look into the possibility of teaming up with a hosting service to offer a hosted FotoMaps packages in the future.

Does FotoMaps come with source code or an FLA file that I can modify?

No. You cannot modify the FotoMaps source code. All customization including changing your map, colors, and text is done through an external XML file.

Purchasing

Can I try FotoMaps before I buy?

Yes! You can download a free trial version. The trial is a fully functioning version of FotoMaps with some customization features disabled.

How much does FotoMaps cost?

$29 payable through PayPal’s secure website. Buy Now!

What if I don’t have a PayPal account?

You can still pay through PayPal with a credit card even if you do not have an account.

How do I receive my FotoMaps software?

After your PayPal transaction is complete, you will be transferred to the download page. You will also receive a link to the download page in your email. The FotoMaps download is a zip file containing everything you need to setup your FotoMap.

Do I get instructions?

Yes. Our comprehensive User Guide is available online, anytime.

Can I get a refund?

No. FotoMaps is a digital product and cannot be “returned.” Therefore we cannot offer refunds for any reason. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your FotoMap please read through this FAQ and the User Guide carefully. If you still have questions you can contact us.

Do you have an affiliate program?

Yes we do. You can earn cash by referring people to FotoMaps. See our affiliate program page for details.

Software License

Can I use FotoMaps for commercial purposes?

Yes you can. Use it however you like for personal or commercial endeavors.

Can I use a single copy of FotoMaps to create multiple galleries/websites?

No. With your purchase of FotoMaps you are licensed to create one published FotoMaps gallery. It is against our terms of use for you to create multiple galleries with a single licensed copy of FotoMaps. If you’d like to make a FotoMaps gallery for your friend or family member, you will need to purchase an additional copy of FotoMaps.

You can, however, change the map that you use with your FotoMap at any time. For example, if you started with the default World map and then later realized that you'd rather use a United States map, you can switch to the United States map by simply downloading the new map from our maps page. You would not have to buy a new copy of FotoMaps in this case.

If, however, you wanted to have a FotoMap of the World, and a second FotoMap of the United States at the same time, then you'd have to purchase one copy of FotoMaps for each.

Can I give away or sell FotoMaps files after I’ve purchased it?

Absolutely not. When you purchase FotoMaps you are purchasing a license to use the FotoMaps files to create your own gallery. The FotoMaps source code remains the property of FotoMaps, and you may not give away or sell the files to anyone else.