Big changes are on the road ahead for RMLSweb maps! A new mapping interface is coming to the system the morning of Thursday, December 3rd. This change, announced in July, is the first step to a better mapping experience for RMLS™ subscribers. As soon as the initial switch is made, RMLS™ developers will start planning for further improvements.
WHAT’S IN STORE
RMLS™ subscribers will notice a new look and feel to all maps on RMLSweb. The new system will still use Bing Maps as a base, but the overall user interface has been enhanced.
Here are a few features we think RMLS™ subscribers will appreciate:
• Map layers that will include neighborhoods, city boundaries, flood zones, traffic, and more. These layers will not only be accessible on the map for an individual listing, but on Advanced Search and Map Search. Access the layers by opening the Tool Box sidebar on each map, shown above.
• Shapes on the map can be larger than before. Up to 10 shapes can be present on the map at one time, and those can represent areas to exclude in a search. Click on the shape for a prompt to delete or exclude the area. Custom shapes can have a maximum of 50 points, and closing a custom shape will be easier as well.
• Centering your map on a specific address will be easier than ever. Just type an address in the search bar inside the map, and a pin will appear on the requested address.
• Customizable, printable driving directions will be available by using the Map Checked feature of RMLSweb! Select the properties you wish to visit and select the Map Checked button. Select Driving Directions on the pop-up screen. Click and drag the properties in the right sidebar to rearrange the order, then hit Calculate to generate driving directions below the map. Print these directions and the map by selecting the Print button.
Although the new map system will sport some changes, plenty of features related to mapping will remain the same or similar. Users entering listings on Listing Load, for example, will find the process of placing a map pin for a property to be very similar to the current system. Setting a map pin for a CMA will be similar as well.
Once this new interface is live, RMLSweb developers will start optimizing the features. Moving forward, expect further fine-tuning based on subscriber feedback and map layers that include demographic information.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
RMLS™ hopes that subscribers will find this new mapping system easier to use and more useful for helping clients. Contact the RMLS™ Help Desk at (503) 872-8002 or (877) 256-2169 with any questions or for more information.
Thank so much for this. I know there will be bumps during the implementation: nature of the business. I hope you know how much your efforts are appreciated. This one has real features that will have real benefits.
I especially appreciate the driving directions. I have been using the route optimization feature on google maps for yeas. Love having it on the site so I don’t have to enter the addresses.
Kudos and Hugs!
Dwayne
This “improvement” heavily impacts how I can now search for lots for developers and builders. I can no longer see vacant parcels of land in surrounding areas and easily see every tax lot number. Not a good change. at all. Please reconsider. I think we all do just fine with driving directions via smart phones and vehicle navigation. The old mapping system was a major tool for a lot of Brokers.
I agree, Chandler. There are many, many reasons we have come to depend on these features. Extremely disappointing that they are not there now.
Not happy at ALL with the changes made on search.. cumbersome and maps are not clear.. really wish you would put option to retain old system, pretty much hate new one.
I cant find a way to look at lot dimensions any longer. This was very useful to see the actual shape and size of the lot, not just the “acres” listed on tax role. Please return this functionality or back out this new mapping software. Yes the interface is nice, but you can never take functionality away that we depend on to do our job.
I agree. I always used lot dimensions. Please restore. Thanks, Fran
Lot size information is available using the new mapping system. Click the green “M” button and once the map displays, click on a lot to display lot size. View a screen shot of lot size using the new mapping interface on RMLSweb.
Thanks Heather! Fran
When I am out showing property, I often have the MLS listing up on my iPad. When a client wants to see the property boundaries, it is extremely useful and helpful to be able to click on the map link from the MLS listing and have immediate access to the parcel boundaries, flood zone, etc. While I was out showing property today, I went to show my client the property boundaries…and the feature was not longer there from the map link on the listing. I was EXTREMELY displeased by this new change. I have lost a very useful and effective tool–please put it back.
*The new mapping system EDIT feature is almost unusable. If you are zoomed in the edit box does not pop up in the screen. Very clunky.
*Very surprised we still cannot use the map in FULLSCREEN. This would be very helpful as we are building search maps.
*Looking forward to the optimization… it seems like it could be a great new system with advanced mapping features.
While there may be some useful new features, one feature of the prior system is missing: dimensioned parcel view. From my perspective, that is a huge problem that forces me to go to RLID and download county tax maps in order to provide a dimensioned parcel view to clients – a tremendously time consuming process compared to the prior mapping system. I would take the old system over this system by a wide margin because of that one missing feature.
I am not thrilled with the new mapping.
Could you please add back:
1. Property dimensions
2. Aerial views
3. flood over lays
The old system worked well from my Android tablet while in the field with a client, or explaining to a clients over the phone. Please keep it as simple as it was!
thanks
We’ve asked the RMLS™ Help Desk to contact you individually.
Lot size information is available using the new mapping system. Click the green “M” button and once the map displays, click on a lot to display lot size. View a screen shot of lot size using the new mapping interface on RMLSweb.
Very complicated & not work well on mobile. Here is the bug, when you first click on lot it show dimension. Second click it will turn off and won’t be able to turn on again.
The RMLS™ Help Desk will be in contact with you soon.
I agree. The colors of the map background vs. the roads and lot lines do not contrast enough on the mobile. Also the dimensions disappear after one click.
I cannot figure out how to see the lot measurements. Also, how do I see the flood zones? I like the driving directions but I need to use the other features as well.
Dawn
Dawn, we’ll have the RMLS™ Help Desk contact you and walk you through both features.
Property dimensions is my most concern! I work with investor & builder, they’re all asking me for lot dimensions every time. Please put this feature back.
Lot size information is available using the new mapping system. Click the green “M” button and once the map displays, click on a lot to display lot size. View a screen shot of lot size using the new mapping interface on RMLSweb.
No scale bar? Please add this basic tool back.
When you change the map zoom using the mouse, it won’t stop zooming, just “coasts” in or out.
The demographics info seems to have disappeared?
A demographics layer will be coming in the future.
So far this map program does not work well. (1) Lot dimensions are blocked by the pin (2) shaped to define a search often prove difficult. (3) sometimes features work and other not.
I am assuming these are bugs to be worked out but so far this really does not function well.
I agree with your comments. I am finding this mapping to be time-consuming as well.
please bring back the parcel layer.
Hello Chandler, The RMLS™ Help Desk will be in contact with you soon.
really miss the mileage scale from the old mapping function. Any way to have that feature added to the new mapping function?
Thanks for letting us know! I’ve submitted your request to our development team.
I too am overall very disappointed with this new map. Even after giving it some time and trying to get used to it I still do not like it at all. The mileage scale is sorely missed as is the full screen feature. New is not always better….this is one of those cases. I just tried getting lot dimensions as instructed in earlier complaints…sometimes it works, sometimes it dont.
There is nothing I like about this “new and improved” mapping system. I relied heavily on all the pieces that are now missing. Can we please have the old system back?