# Maps for BuddyBeacon 
**Contributors:** wpkaren  
**Donate Link:** https://karenattfield.com/giving/  
**Tags:** google maps, viewranger, buddybeacon, live maps, map routes, live tracking, shortcode  
**Requires at least:** 4.4  
**Tested up to:** 5.5.1  
**Stable tag:** 1.0.0  
**License:** GPLv2 or later  
**License URI:** https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html  

Serving map tracks in real time via ViewRanger BuddyBeacon.


## Description 

Maps for BuddyBeacon is a plugin that allows you to display map tracks over a set time period or live via ViewRanger's BuddyBeacon capability. The markers are shown on a Google Map, with an optional info box displaying map title, date range and distance covered. Info Windows provide information for each beacon (date, altitude, longitude and latitude).

Customization options range from map type (eg. roadmap, satellite, terrain, hybrid), to beacon and route colours, beacon shape, and map alignment and size. 

To display a map in a page or post just add the shortcode: [bb_maps id="{id}"] where {id} is the id of the map you want to display, for example [bb_maps id="3"]. For more information see the 'FAQ' section.



### Features

* Display map tracks live or over a specified date range on a Google map.
* Customize your map route display - beacon shape and colour, route colour.
* Customize your map display - satellite, hybrid, terrain or roadmap. 
* Display map route information - total distance covered (in km or miles), date range, map title.
* Display individual beacon information via Google Maps InfoWindows (showing latitute, longitude, altitude and date).
* Delete beacons from routes.
* Manage all your maps from the manage maps settings page.
* Use a shortcode to display your chosen map in any page or post.



## Installation 


1. Upload `maps-buddybeacon` to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory, or install the plugin through the WordPress plugins screen directly.
1. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.
1. Go to the Maps for BuddyBeacon main menu page, where you will be guided through how to create your first map. in the admin to set whether you'd like each portfolio item to be available on a page of it's own by default.




## Frequently Asked Questions 


### What are the shortcodes? 

[bb_maps id="{id}"] will output the map you want to display (for example [bb_maps id="3"]).


### Do I need a Google Maps API Key as well as ViewRanger API key and BuddyBeacon username and pin to make this work 

Yes, in order to retrieve your beacon information including dates, locations and altitude from ViewRanger, and to show this on a Google Map, you need to provide this information. Links are provided to help you go through this process.


### Can I put more than one map on each page/post? 

Yes, you can add as many shortcodes per page/ post as you want, displaying as many maps as you want.


### Is there a limit to the maximum number of beacons per map?

Currently the limit is fixed at 500.


###  Can you add... 

Feel free to get in touch with any ideas you have, or even better contribute to this plugin. You can get in touch with me at mail AT karenattfield DOT com. Note - since the initial development of this plugin I have very little time for upkeep / changes but am still keen to hear from you.


### Can I change the time showing within beacon data to reflect my timezone?

Currently the plugin is only configured to work well within UK and matching timezones.You can get in touch with me at mail AT karenattfield DOT com.



## Changelog 

### 1.0.0
* First stable release
* Editing map route: adding beacon to start of route
* Adding capability to delete beacons from individual maps

### 0.1.0 
* Initial release

## Upgrade Notice 

### 1.0.0
* First stable release. Adding beacon to route start, and adding capability to delete beacons.

### 0.1.0 
* Initial release, no upgrade notice