FAQ's: BBOnline Mapping System

In addition to addressing some of the questions about the mapping system we also want to announce that major improvements were made to the maps during February 2004. The maps now display more detail (especially road name labels) and have a new format and color scheme that is much easier to read. Mapping software has come a long way over the past few years. We started using maps on BBOnline in 1998.

First, let's cover how and where the mapping system is used. All U.S. and Canada B&Bs that advertise on BBOnline are included in the mapping system.

There are two main ways that we use the mapping system:

1. B&B Locator Maps As the name implies, the maps are used to "locate" B&Bs. For each of the U.S. states and Canadian provinces, there is a B&B Locator Map icon/button on the state navigation page on the left-hand side of the page. When you click on the button, you enter the mapping system where you can locate B&Bs by city or zip code. The icon/link below goes to the Tennessee mapping system:
   

   The B&B Locator Maps interface for Tennessee looks like this:

   To find B&Bs in Tennessee simply enter the Tennessee address and then click on "Search for A B&B".
   1. Enter the Tennessee address: Enter only the city Or only the zip code Or both city and zip code City: Zip Code:	2. Limit the area of the search:  Try to locate B&Bs within miles of the desired location 3. Click "Search for A B&B": to see a map of the B&Bs nearest your desired location!

   If you enter Nashville in the form above, a map is displayed that looks something like:
   

   The red inn buildings on the map indicate the locations of the B&Bs.

   When using the mapping system (which you can do by entering Nashville on the form above and clicking on "Search for a B&B"), there is the ability to "zoom in/zoom out", "pan" (move north, south, east and west), re-position the center of the map, etc. You can zoom in to street level, as well.

   The B&Bs are numbered by how far they are from the middle of the initial map.

   Below the map, there is a table that includes a row for each B&B on the map with the following information and functions:
   

   • Quick Zoom Where you can click to view a street-level map of the B&B's location.
   • B&B Hot Links Where you can click to the B&B's BBOnline home page.
   • Address of the B&B
   • Distance Number of miles from the B&B to the middle of the map. As the crow flies.

2. Inn-Level Map (This method was added two years ago.) When a viewer (potential guest) has "located" a B&B and is looking at their BBOnline content we wanted them to be able to view the inn's location using the mapping system.

   So, we added a "Click to see a map" function that "taps" into the mapping system for B&Bs that have our 4 picture package or higher. The "Click to see a map" link, located near the top of each of the B&B's BBOnline pages, generates a pop-up window showing a "zoomed-in", two-mile wide map that shows the location of the B&B in the middle of the map. From there, the viewer can further zoom in, pan directions and print the map to assist them as they drive to your B&B!

How do I check the location of my B&B?

1. Go to our Locate A B&B
2. Click on your state or province.
3. Scroll down the page a few inches and then click on the B&B Locator Maps button on the left-hand side of the page.
4. Enter either your city or zip code and click the "Search for A B&B" button.
5. A map will be drawn showing the location of your B&B. Look at the table below the map to determine which "inn building" number corresponds to your B&B.
6. In the table below the map, click on your red "inn building" and a new map will be drawn that zooms in with your B&B in the center of the map. To determine if your location is correct, you may zoom in further by clicking on the bottom blue button to the right of the map.

If the location of our B&B is not correct how do we correct the location?

• If simple written instructions can guide us to your correct location (e.g. our location is almost correct - simply move us across the street), then please send an email message to maps@bbonline.com
• If more detailed instructions are necessary to correct your location, please do the following:
  
  1. Use the mapping system to "zoom in" on your B&B's real location. Then print the map.
  2. Mark an X on the map to indicate your B&B's correct location.
  3. Send the map with your location marked with the X by:
     Fax to: (310) 280-4810 or
     Mail to:
     BBOnline.com
     Bed & Breakfast Inns ONLINE
     909 North Sepulveda Boulevard
     11th Floor
     El Segundo, California 90245