Frequently Asked Questions
General 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 Textmate, TextEdit or BBEdit.
What are the system requirements to use FotoMaps?
Operating System: Windows98 or newer. Mac OSX (any version).
Software requirements: Basic text editor like Notepad, Textmate, etc.
Web browser: Any modern web browser with flash player (8.0+) installed. We recommend standards-complient browsers like Firefox, Chrome, or Safari.
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.
Is FotoMaps a hosted service?
No. FotoMaps is a collection of files that you must upload along with your photos to your own web space to publish.
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! The basic version of FotoMaps is absolutely free to download, and use for any non-commercial website. There is also a Pro version available that comes with a commercial license and extra features. Learn more about the Pro features.
How much does FotoMaps cost?
FotoMaps is free!. FotoMaps Pro is $29 payable through PayPal’s secure website. Buy FotoMaps Pro 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?
Simply download the zip file to your computer and unzip it to get going.
If you're purchasing FotoMaps Pro, you will be transferred to the download page after your PayPal transaction is complete. You will also receive a link to the download page in your email.
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 on the Pro version 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 Pro. See our affiliate program page for details.
Software License
Can I use FotoMaps for commercial purposes?
No, not the free version. FotoMaps is meant for personal use only and cannot be used on a commercial site. A commercial site is any site that makes sales or income of any kind, including income from advertising. Or any site that promotes a product or service that generates income.
FotoMaps Pro ($29) comes with a commercial use license and can be used on any website.
Can I use a single copy of FotoMaps to create multiple galleries/websites?
Yes, the free version may be used as many times as you like, as long as you do not use it for commercial purposes. The commercial version, FotoMaps Pro, comes with a commercial license that is good for one specific domain. If you'd like to use Fotomaps Pro on a different domain you'll need to purchase a second copy.
Can I give away or sell FotoMaps files?
Please refer people to this website (www.fotomaps.net) if you would like the share it. You may not distribute copies of FotoMaps to others if you have modified any of the files.
FotoMaps Pro may not be shared or distributed at all, even in it's original form. The license is good for one domain only. The FotoMaps and FotoMaps Pro source code remains the property of FotoMaps, and you may not give away or sell the files to anyone else.