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What is SmallMap?
Benefits of SmallMap to Web Publisher
How can SmallMap benefit me?
SmallMap as a Software Program
Why do you call SmallMap a "software", when it is actually a HTML file?
When do I have to register?
Modifying and Enhancing SmallMap
Can I resell or re-license SmallMap?
Where can I find more help and details on SmallMap?
If you cannot find the answers to your questions among this FAQs and our Manual, please use our contact form to send us your questions. You can also check this discussion group at Google Groups: http://groups-beta.google.com/group/SmallMap. We may not be able to respond individually to your questions. We will incorporate you questions and its answers in the future version of this FAQ. SmallMap is a Web application for presenting community directory and map on the World Wide Web. We would like to think of SmallMap as an "instant yellowpages for small communities that also supports map images." You can customize SmallMap for towns, parks, campuses, clubs, or any cluster of businesses and listings. Visitors to your Web site will be able to browse and sort your community listings, find text, name, address, and other descriptive information. They will be able to navigate around any map images you may present. Visitors may read the Quick Help page and SmallMap Manual Chapter 1: From the Perspective of the End Users to see how the original SmallMap works. Web publisher's versions, however, may have been modified and may be different from the documentation. SmallMap features:
Go to Quick Help page for end user. How is SmallMap different from yellow pages and map direction Web services? A Web Publisher has full control over SmallMap. SmallMap is a customizable, small-town yellow pages directory program. For example, you can present product or shop images, description, and any specialized data field. Other Web-based yellow pages are massive but impersonal databases. SmallMap caters to a few hundred to a thousand entries. SmallMap's maps are simple images of your own creative design. SmallMap does not have the sophisticated map, zoom, highway navigating, caption, pin-pointing capability of the map direction services such as Map Quest, Yahoo! Map, etc. However, SamllMap allows the Web publisher to focus locally, within your own community. You can use any pictorial or schematic maps, or leave out the map completely. If your database contains enough address details, SmallMap may be able to automatically create links to the major map and direction Websites. How can I obtain a copy of SmallMap? Web Publishers can download a Windows Zipped file from our Download page without a fee. On the same page, there are several download options. The files you download include a set of sample or templates and tools to help you format your data. The template files are in text or HTML format. Simply replace the generic text and figures in the template file with your own community's text and figures. See Manual Chapter 3: Downloading Template and Preparing Folders. What are the key terms for using SmallMap?
This is only a summary of key terms of SmallMap Software License Agreement. You must read the full license agreement at http://smallmap.com/terms.htm before downloading and using SmallMap.
See http://smallmap.com/terms.htm. I am a visitor to a Web site that uses SmallMap, do I need to pay registration fee? No, visitors to Web sites that use SmallMap and all end users who browse the map and directory presented by Web Publishers do not need to pay any fees to SmallMap.com. The Web Publisher will independently decide how they are going to generate revenue from your browsing, such as by presenting ads. I am a Web Publisher who wants to check out SmallMap, and perhaps use it on my Web site. Do I have to pay for SmallMap upfront? You may download SmallMap software for free provided you have read and agreed to the http://smallmap.com/terms.htm. Only after trying it, and within 90-days of publishing your modified version of SmallMap on a publicly accessible Website, then you must register if you want to continue using SmallMap on your Web site. Also see the above answer to "What are the key terms for using SmallMap?"
Benefits of SmallMap to Web Publisher SmallMap helps you create a distinctly customized local Web directory, quickly, at low cost. If you are a Web Publisher who already possesses a database of a few hundred clients, shops, commercial listings, or any points of interest you want to publish on the Web as a searchable directory, by using SmallMap you will save hours of programming and designing from scratch. You can add map images and client images. You can present data such as name, address, telephone and fax numbers, category, subcategories. You can create a distinct color scheme and feel. See above section What is SmallMap? for a list of SmallMap features. Can SmallMap work as a yellow page directory? Yes, for a community of a few hundreds to a couple of thousands. SmallMap is designed to present a searchable list on the Web. Combined with your database, you've got your customized, focused, Web directory. What if I don't have map images? Adding map images is optional, although it will greatly enhance the presentation of your community. Without map images, SmallMap will automatically skip the index map and detailed maps, as well as map grid navigating functions. But you will still be able to associate any listing with its own images. For example, if your database contains "Igloo Ice Cream", you will be able to place two images of ice cream in the /images/ directory. In Igloo's record data, you can point to these two images, to be displayed within Igloo's "name card". See Manual Chapter 6: Preparing Map Images and Customer Images. Further, if Igloo's record contains detailed address, SmallMap may automatically generate several links to external map and direction Websites, whereby customers can find their way to Igloo. I have a data file containing details of 500 shops in my home town, how do I take advantage of SmallMap to create revenues for myself? Here's how:
SmallMap saves you design and development time (=money). You get results faster by customizing the downloaded SmallMap template. See SmallMap Manual: Table of Contents for more details. What are the data fields that SmallMap can accommodate? The SmallMap template you download comes with the following (26) data fields for each record: Customer Number, Grid Number, Company or Name, Category, Subcategory, Telephone #1, Telephone #2, Fax Number, Email, Street Address and Number, City, State, ZIP, Country, Website URL, Preferred Background Color for Name Card, Preferred Foreground Color for Name Card, URL of Image #1, URL of Image #2, Description, Notes #1 to #6. See Manual Chapter 4: Customizing Your Mini Database "SmallMap.js". You can modify SmallMap code and script to add more data fields. For example, you could add song title, writer, singer, album name, etc for a small CD database. You can replace current heading, such as "Category" with your own, such as "Album." For more advanced redesign, you need to know JavaScript and HTML. Programmers with JAVA or C++ background should be able to become familiar with JavaScript quite easy.
See also
SmallMap as a Software Program Why do you call SmallMap a "software", when it is actually a HTML file? SmallMap is an innovative Web application that is entirely based on a HTML file "index.htm". This file contains all the code, variable, scripts necessary to interact with Web visitors. It dynamically generates the Web page and search results that the visitors ask for. For example, by inputting "restaurant" in the search box and clicking "Go", SmallMap will use its script to redraw a new page that display only those shops categorized as "restaurants." What does it mean that SmallMap is a dynamic HTML program? The entire program for SmallMap is contained within the HTML file "index.htm". This text file contains dynamic HTML elements, ie, HyperText Markup Language, Javascript (ECMAscript), Document Object Model, and Cascading Style Sheet of the WWW Consortium. The only other file needed is your data file in the JavaScript file format, initially named "smallmap.js", also a text file. The program file "index.htm" will do all the work based on these dynamic HTML elements, and run like any other programs. The main difference is that SmallMap is run on the power of the end user's browser. Another advantage is that dynamic HTML is a common denominator among operating systems and browsers. SmallMap is very close to a truly cross-platform and cross-browser program.
See also
Is SmallMap an open source program? No. SmallMap is not an open-source software and not a freeware. SmallMap is distributed as a dynamic HTML shareware. However, SmallMap's source code is transparent for all to see, as dynamic HTML elements are published in text format, is not compiled, and cannot be encrypted. SmallMap is not an open source program as defined by the Open Source Initiative because SmallMap.com places stricter conditions on how you can distribute SmallMap. Nevertheless, SmallMap's terms of use are still substantially more liberal than most other shareware, as we allow you to customize, translate, and do some serious modifications and to distribute (as long as you do not resell or re-license). You may charge others for installation, development, consulting, and so on. Please refer to http://smallmap.com/terms.htm.
Because Dynamic HTML is text-based and transparent, Web publishers can be
What platform or operating system do my visitors need to run SmallMap? Any operating systems that can run Internet Explorer, Netscape 4.X, Netscape 7.x, Firefox, Opera, and several other browsers will be able to run SmallMap. That effectively includes all major operating systems and platforms. However, we have only tested SmallMap in Windows. We would be interested in your feedback about compatibility with Linux, Unix, Mac, all Windows variations, and other operating systems.
See also
What browsers do my visitors need to view SmallMap? SmallMap's dynamic HTML components represent the lowest common denominator standards adopted by all browsers. As such, SmallMap runs in Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5+, Netscape 4.X, Netscape 7+, Opera 7.54+, Mozilla, and Firefox. Javascript and cookie capability must be switched on, which is the default setting for most browsers in use today. See also Chapter 2.7 System Requirements What kind of Web hosting service or server do I need to publish my customized SmallMap? The Web publisher's server is relieved from much of the work load, because dynamic HTML is interpreted by the end user's computer and browser. You will need the minimal Web hosting capacity. You will not need PHP, Perl, other CGI, or any database programs. Further, the end users' browsers do not need Active-X, JAVA, or Flash capability.
See also
How safe is it running SmallMap? Viewing a SmallMap-generated Web page is as safe as viewing any Web page. The original SmallMap as published on http://smallmap.com uses only JavaScript, which is generally not a threat to the end user computer. However, end users may encounter unscrupulous Web Publishers who have modified and published SmallMap or any other scripted Web page to include malicious scripts, especially non-JavaScript codes that could pose security threat to online visitors. SmallMap.com is not able to monitor all users of SmallMap on the Internet and disclaims all responsibilities for damages arising from others' unethical behaviors. End users can protect yourselves by allowing only JavaScript, and restrict the use of some cookies and other scripting languages. SmallMap.com believes JavaScript and some cookie functions are essential to the functioning of the Web. End users must be beware that they visit any Web sites at their own risks. They should try to read the Web sites' terms of use and privacy policies. All Web surfers should update their virus scanning programs, and should not download or open any executable files from untrusted sites or from uncertain email attachments. Web Publishers are generally in control of their copy of SmallMap software, and hence can minimize or avoid any security threats from dynamic HTML file. As a dynamic HTML file, SmallMap is also transparent to scrutiny. If you receive a version of SmallMap from sources other than SmallMap.com, you should check the file for any malicious contents. Further, the http://smallmap.com/terms.htm requires that Web Publisher place a notice disclosing their use of non-JavaScript, client-side scripts and binary programs or applets. The notice must be viewable at the bottom of the page when SmallMap is rendered into a Web page by Web browsers. This is to alert end users of any potential security threats. Web Publishers must register your use of SmallMap within 90 days of publishing your customized copy of SmallMap on a publicly viewable Website. Publication on test Website, private or password-protected Web sites do not have to be registered, but by modifying and using SmallMap, you agree to comply with all other applicable terms in the SmallMap Software License Agreement at http://smallmap.com/terms.htm Does the 90-day trial period start as soon as I download SmallMap? The 90 days of trial period starts on the day when you publish your customized SmallMap on a publicly accessible Web site, not from the day you download SmallMap. You can take as long as you need to customize and test your customization. What are the benefits of registering? Your registration is confirmed by the listing of your URL on our registration page, which is publicly viewable and searchable worldwide. This also confirms the professionalism of your Website and your administration. Shareware operates on an honor system to reduce business costs, and eventually your costs of doing business as well. Registered users will receive periodic updates. Your registration will also allow us to share your and others' innovative codes and scripts. Simply go to our Registration Page at http://smallmap.com/register.htm, link to our payment agent, fill out the form, and make the payment using the method most convenient to you. During the initial special offers, we are offering registration fee waiver for the first 10 registrants. Additional terms apply to the fee waiver. Please see the Registration Page for details. What payment do you accept for registration? Our payment agent offers credit card, check, money order, and other payment options. Please see our Registration Page at http://smallmap.com/register.htm Page. I am using SmallMap on a private site or an Intranet, do I have to register? You do not need to register when using SmallMap on private, password-protected, or Intranet sites. But by using SmallMap, you must agree to all other applicable terms in the SmallMap Software License Agreement at http://smallmap.com/terms.htm. We welcome any donations from unregistered users or any one who appreciates our software. Your donations will help us maintain this Website and upgrade this software. I am thinking of adapting SmallMap into a binary file, do I have to register? You do not need to register your copy of modification of SmallMap into binary file, binary tools, CGI, server-side scripts, or say XML files. However, all other applicable terms apply from the Small Map Software License Agreement. In particular, you must retain all copyright notices, trademark, pointer to our License Agreement, and other notices. Importantly, when at a later stage you publish the resulting program on a publicly-accessible Website, you must register with SmallMap within 90 days. Others who have used your binary tools or server-side scripts derived from SmallMap to present community directory on a publicly-accessible Websites are also required to comply with the SmallMap Software License Agreement at http://smallmap.com/terms.htm and Registration Page at http://smallmap.com/register.htm within 90 days of publication. We welcome donations to help us maintain this Website and upgrade this software. Will you send me a decryption key to unlock my registered copy of SmallMap? Unlike other shareware, SmallMap will not be locked after a certain period of use. There is no need for any key from SmallMap to continue functioning after the 90-day trial period. Dynamic HTML scripts are impossible to encrypt or even scramble effectively. This weakness also makes dynamic HTML programs transparent for all to see, honest to run, and can be scrutinized by millions on the Web for safety and improvement. How can you stop me from using unregistered SmallMap after the trial period? We hope the transparency of dynamic HTML may also make it very embarrassing for professional Web Publishers to continue to use and publicize their Web directory beyond the 90-day trial period without registering. All that anyone probably needs to do to find non-complying Web sites is to do a Web search, and return to these sites after 90 days. At some point, we may publicize a list of Web sites that are overdue for registering with SmallMap. Can I de-register after I have registered earlier? Yes. Simply send us an email or fill out the registration form commenting on your desire to de-register. Once we have confirmed your intention in another round of email, we will remove your Web site URL from our registration page. There will be no fee charges. Can I transfer my registration to another URL? Yes. We understand you may rename your community, relocate to another domain, or rearrange the priority of your main and mirror sites. Simply send us an email or fill out the registration form commenting on your desire to transfer your registration. Once we have confirmed your intention in another round of email, we will update our registration page, listing your new information as a confirmation. There will be no fee charges. Modifying and Enhancing SmallMap Can I resell or re-license SmallMap? No. SmallMap Software License Agreement at http://smallmap.com/terms.htm specifically disallows the reselling or re-licensing of SmallMap. Only SmallMap.com and its payment agent may receive registration fees. Can I distribute, modify, translate SmallMap? Yes. SmallMap is distributed as a shareware. You may distribute it "as is", or modify, translate, improve on SmallMap before distributing it. You may charge other Web Publishers for distribution cost, service, installation, translation, improvement, consulting, or advertising charges. However, all Web Publishers may register with only SmallMap.com and no other parties. Please see SmallMap Software License Agreement at http://smallmap.com/terms.htm. To what extent can I modify SmallMap? There is no practical limit to your creativity. If you think you can make SmallMap 10-dimensional, by all means do so. SmallMap.com requires that you read the SmallMap Software License Agreement at http://smallmap.com/terms.htm carefully and comply with all the applicable terms, such as retaining copyright notices, pointer to the license agreement, requirement for Web Publishers to register after 90-day trial period, etc. How can I enhance my SmallMap program? SmallMap, by the nature of dynamic HTML and by our flexible licensing terms, is open to significant modifications and customization. You are only limited by your needs, creativity and resources. Some possibilities include:
The SmallMap Software License Agreement at http://smallmap.com/terms.htm requires that you disclose the addition of any non-JavaScript client-side scripts, binary programs and applets to alert end users of any potential security threats. JavaScript, and server-side scripts or CGIs do not have to be flagged. Can I make money from modifying SmallMap? Possibly. You may gain revenues from Web ads, community merchant ads, as well as charging for distribution, installation, customization, translation, donation, consulting service, etc. SmallMap may be part of a package of services you provide to your clients; your services may include printed media or map, multi media, and other marketing services. The key restrictions we place in SmallMap Software License Agreement at http://smallmap.com/terms.htm are that you may not "re-sell", "re-license", or receive registration fee. Where can I find more help and details on SmallMap? End users should view Quick Help page before using SmallMap. Other than this Frequently Asked Questions, Web publishers should try the Manual at http://smallmap.com/manual/. The SmallMap Manual is organized into these chapters:
Preface
What if I still cannot find the answers after reading this FAQ and the Help Manual? You can participate in this discussion group at Google Groups: http://groups-beta.google.com/group/SmallMap. You may also send us your questions using our Contact and Feedback Form. However, due to limited resources, we may not respond to individual questions and comments. We will try to incorporate more complete answers into future version of the FAQ and the Manual. Where can I find help on dynamic HTML? You can find more information from these external Websites:
General
HyperText Markup Language (HTML)
Dynamic HTML
JavaScript or ECMAScript
Document Object Model (DOM)
Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)
Revised: 2005 April 30 |
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1. Sample Town - This is a fictitious town's directory and "map," a demonstration, and a template containing the latest SmallMap codes and scripts. To illustrate the capability to link to external map and direction Websites, we have input the addresses of actual public places under the Aquarium, Arboretum, and Museum categories. It uses single-grid, PNG-formatted, map images for zoomed-in view. Click for an alternative color scheme. 2. S2BJ - A real-life commercial area with a real map: Sungаi Duа and Bukit Jаmbul, Pеnаng, MaIаysiа. It makes use of 3-grid-by-3-grid GIF subdivided map images. Promotions Recent News |