Wikiplacemarks.com  
 



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How do I add a placemark and images to the www.wikiplacemarks.com map?

Login to www.majorforms.com (or www.wikiplacemarks.com – your login works for both urls).  At the top of the page, place your cursor over “Placemarks” and then click “add placemark” in the dropdown box.  Choose “create new” from the top of the page.  Fill in the requisite information.   Another way to do this is to go to the www.wikiplacemarks.com map (click the link) and click the “Add placemark to position” button.  This will enable you to go to the site you wish to add.  By clicking that site, a new placemark description will come up with the longitude and latitude of the site you clicked.  Simply fill in the requisite data here (see below).

1. Title – if your placemark is a subject in Wikipeidia then after you have the title you can click the Wikipedia icon next to “title” (the large W).  This will search the Wikipedia database to see if your title or something similar exists in Wikipedia.  If it does, click the most appropriate Wikipedia topic related to your subject and title.  This will automatically bring in the first paragraph of the Wikipedia article and a picture under a Description field that now appears in your placemark and a reference to the Wikipedia article you chose under a Reference section.  See below if your placemark is not in Wikipedia – you can add your own sections.

2) Choose a category that best fits your placemark.  There may be several topics that you can place your placemark under but simply choose what you think will be the best fit.  For example, if you have found a movie location, the title of the placemark will be the title of the movie and the category will be Film and Movie Locations.  By clicking the Wikipedia symbol, the movie will be found in the Wikipedia database.

3) Many of the categories have subcategories.  You may wish to choose a subcategory.  For example, the date the film was released is a subcategory under Film and Movie Locations.

4) If your title or subject is not in Wikipedia you can change the default setting under source from Wikipedia to “please select” showing that it is not found in Wikipedia.  Otherwise you can leave the Source at the Wikipedia default. 

5) The default for the “status” box is “user changed” which tells us a new placemark has been added or an older one has been edited.  This is wikiplacemarks queue to review the placemark for publication.  If  we find it acceptable to the general public it will become available to our users on the wikiplacemarks map.  You may add a placemark of a personal nature (your home for example) and this will go under the category “everything else”.

6) Your placemark will not appear on our map unless you give a longitude and latitude.  This is quite simple to determine.  Either click here at www.wikiplacemarks.com or bring up the wikiplacemark map in a separate window by clicking the “Map” label at the top of the article page (click the middle button on your mouse pad).  You can find your placemark by searching for an address or place on the left hand side of the map where it says “search” (this will also tell you if the site already exists in our database) or by zooming in on the location.  Once you have found the specific site simply left click on point on the map and the longitude and latitude will appear in the box on the upper right hand corner of the map. Highlight the long/lat and copy (ctrl C).  Go back to the Article editor page and place your cursor in the latitude box and paste (ctrl P).  This will place both the long/lat in the latitude box but once you click somewhere else on the article page the long/lat will automatically be separated into the long and lat boxes. 

7) Note that you can create kml/kmz files in Google Earth and upload them to your placemark.  For example if you have a hiking path you can associate the hiking path with the icon and the path will show up on the map when someone clicks the placemark on the map runs their cursor over the placemark.  You can also add paths and overlays (for example a detailed map of a college campus) once the placemark exists on the map.  Simply click the placemark and choose “edit overlays” in the right hand corner of the box that comes up.  You will see a window that comes up on the left enabling you to add or edit paths and overlays. 

7) If you wish to make any personal comments about the placemark, we recommend that you click “add new section” and choose “Comments” (we try to reserve the description section for Wikipedia articles).  Once you click comments, it will give you the opportunity to add comments and upload pictures. 

8) We kindly ask that you attempt to document your placemarks with supporting references (click the “add new section” button and choose references).  We have a responsibility to other sources to make sure that credit is given to those sources.  Of course, if you have discovered the placemark yourself, no reference is needed.  The reference can be a url to a website that is easily pasted or a book or magazine reference that can be typed in.

9) Once you are satisfied with the placemark you can click create which sends it to us for review.  Please anticipate up to two or three days for the review to go through (although it may be sooner).  

If you have any questions or wish to volunteer for help managing placemarks please contact us at info@majorforms.com

How do I create my own free website?

It is easy to set up a free website.  However, we highly recommend that before you set up your free website you collect data with your application(s) so you will be able to see how the website will display your information.  Once you have collected data, there are two ways you can set up your website.  

1) You can do it through your smartphone.  Simply long press a collection or event and a share menu will display.  Choose to share and you will be automatically directed to the MajorForms website setup page.  You simply need to fill out 3 fields:  

a) Website alias field - which is the character string that will appear in the website domain name.

b) Website title - which is the name that will appear on top of your webpage.

c) Slogan - any phrase that you choose to display below the title on your website (e.g., "It's a great day.")  

Once you have filled in the three fields, press the blue button and a default website will be generated with your data including a default list of each collection and the ability for viewers to see all the itemized events, a photo gallery, and a map with event pins for each collection.   Please note that you may go to our "website builder" icon by logging into your account on MajorForms and use this extremely powerful tool to edit and make changes to your website.  We offer several editing tools and templates that you may choose for the website if you do not like the default template.

2) You can simply log into MajorForms on a PC and go to the website builder wizard.  You will be asked the same questions as above.  Once the website is established you can edit it through our website builder tool. In June 2012, we will have the ability to allow you to determine  which information you wish to share on the website.  

Can I use MajorForms' applications with a tablet?

Yes, currently our applications can be downloaded onto android tablets.

Can I use MajorForms' smartphone applications in foreign countries without being charged extra for roaming costs?  Does GPS tracking cost extra?

You will not incur extra roaming charges if you turn your roaming services on your smartphone off.  The GPS tracking is done using GPS satellite tracking which is free.  If you do not have internet access or lose internet access, it will only affect the real-time synchronization if it is turned on.  The tracking and data collecting are stored in the smartphone until reception is established if you desire synchronization and uploading/sharing with your website or other social media sites.  The GPS data is always recorded in the phone for later upload if you choose to use the tracker.  If GPS is not available (e.g., inside a building), we allow you to drop and drag the event marker to the requisite point on the map in order to mark an event.

What is a collection?

All data collected by the smartphone are divided into collections.  The best way to describe a collection is by an example.  A collection in the vacation journal application is a collection of events on a trip (or vacation).  It stores all the videos, images, notes, tracks, events, etc. related to the vacation collection under the title you choose.  You may store as many vacations as you wish simply by creating a new collection.What is an event?  All events recorded under a collection are displayed as pins when the map icon is viewed.

What is an event? 

An event is a subcategory under a collection.  For example when you are using the vacation journal application, an event is anything that you have documented on your vacation.  If you visit the Mona Lisa on your vacation to Europe and wish to document the fact that you were there you simply create an event.  By creating an event, the longitude, latitude, altitude, date, and time are all recorded automatically.  Any additional information such as images or videos are also associated with the event.  An event will be created automatically by simply clicking the media button icon within the application and creating a video, photo, or recording.   All events recorded under a collection are displayed as pins when the map icon is viewed.

What is the tracker?

The tracker collects GPS data (longitude, latitude, and altitude) every second (the default which can be changed) while events are being recorded. A route is then superimposed over the event map sites that shows the track taken while using your application.   If the  tracker is used for several different tracks (e.g., each day of the vacation) the routes will be shown in different colors on the map.   The routes and events  can be shared with permitted viewers via your website in real time.

Can I geotag images taken with another camera while I am using your applications?

Yes, absolutely.  If you are tracking your collecting or trip, longitude, latitude, altitude, and a timestamp are being recorded.  As long as your camera (in this case we are referring to an external camera not in a smartphone or tablet) records a timestamp (digital cameras do this), you will be able to sink the images with your track.  That is to say, you can download a gpx format file that can be used with other programs to do the sinking of the images with the track.  But it is extremely important to make sure that your external camera has the correct time and date before you take images.  We are in the process of writing a program that will also allow you to upload your images to your website from another camera that will automatically sink to your collecting or trip.  That should be completed by the end of July, 2012.

Why do you ask for a Google based login?

  • The Google based login is used for user authentication only. It does not grant Majorforms access to any of your personal data, except for your email address and your real name. (Whenever an external application tries to access other personal data, Google asks for your permission. You can check that our application does not request access for anything but your email address and your real name.)
  • If you do not want to use your Google account then you can create a new user in our system and login with a secret password. 
  • In the first version of the program, giving the email address was not required. However, we soon noticed that there has to be a way to clear personal data, delete/remove accounts, and reactivate/regenerate forgotten passwords. This would be impossible without giving an email address. Generated password must be sent to some email address, and account activation is required (otherwise spammers/hackers could use our site as a free web storage service.) It must be noted that account activation is not required for Google account based logins because Google knows how to protect itself.
  • We do not use email addresses for sending out advertisements. We use them solely for user identification (and service notifications requested by the user).
  • The first online login and first data synchronization is required, because the program downloads the structure of its database (locale settings, language dependent data etc.) from our server.  However, you cannot record samples before the first sync. So it is guaranteed that no personal data is submitted to our server.
  • After the first sync, you can turn off automatic synchronization under synchronization settings. It is then guaranteed that the program will not upload any data to our server.
  • Generally speaking, you don't need an active internet connection to use the program. Some parts of the program may require an active internet connection. For example, you cannot open the map view without Google maps, and Google Maps requires an active internet connection. But this limitation comes from Google Maps, not our program.
  • Some things are not possible without data synchronization: you cannot add custom fields, you cannot sync data between multiple phones, cannot generate powerpoint presentation from your samples, you will not be able to backup your data, etc. But you don't have to use these features at all.
  • How do I import a video and/or image into an event on the smartphone or tablet? 

    The beauty of our applications is that you can import any video or image into either a new event or an existing event on your smartphone or tablet.  The process is the same for either a video or image so we will describe importing an image.  First, if you wish to import an image into an existing event, go to the event and click on it.  Click "edit" button at the bottom right of the event page and then click the media icon (see the screenshot below) to import the image (click either the "select image" or "select video".  If you wish to import an image to a new event, go to the events list and click the media icon and import the image (remember to hit the save button after the event is created).   

    Screenshot_2012_05_22_21_01_03.png

    How do I edit a trip or event or import a video and/or image into an event via my PC once I return from a trip? 

    You may edit any field or add or delete images and video via your PC once you return from a trip or collection as follows:

    1) Login at www.majorforms.com.

    2) If you have downloaded more than one application, make sure that you have selected the correct application (click "Applications" to change the current application).

    3) Click the search button and you will see the trips or collections you have recorded.

    4) At this point, you may click on the "small pencil" icon to edit the trip.  If you wish to edit individual events, choose the events for the collection you wish to edit.  You can view all your events and edit fields or add or delete images or video.

    How do I view my collection and events on a map?

    When you press the map icon on the smartphone or create a "map" for your website, a map is created for each collection showing your track if recorded (if more than one track was recorded, the tracks will show up in different colors) and all events will be defined on the map as individual pins.  When an event pin is clicked on the map, any data associated with that event will pop up in a separate window including the date, notes, and images.  

    How I can delete an event, track, collection, or account?

    What is the theodolite?

    The theodolite is a tool that enables the user to determine distance to and height of objects, overlays GPS, date/time, and phone orientation onto photos if desired, and records horizontal and vertical angles for triangulation. The device can also be used to touch a map to determine the distance from your location to the point on the map where the screen was touched. 

    What is a gallery on  the website?

    The gallery option enables the user to display a gallery of photographs and videos on their created website acquired while using our applications (you may also augment the gallery by uploading additional photographs and videos to your website).   You can create a main galley with all the images and videos recorded from all of the Majorforms applications you have used or divide them by collection or even events.  The website builder tool will allow you to determine how you use and display a gallery or galleries on your website.

    Have your applications been translated to other languages?

    We currently offer the Vacation & Travel Journal, Geology Sample Collector, and Theodolite Droid in Hungarian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Swedish, Russian, Hindi, Portuguese, Hebrew, Polish, Czech, Danish, Ukrainian, and Norwegian.  We our in the process of translating our other applications.  All are currently in Hungarian and several more are in Spanish. 

    Is there a way to create a video or powerpoint once I have created a collection? 

    The automatic generation of powerpoints and videos is available for download by logging in online (make sure if you have multiple applications that you have chosen the correct application).  For example, if you created a vacation, click the vacation you want to make a video of  and scroll to the bottom of the page.  You will see a "request new video" where you can automatically generate a video.  Please remember that you may wish to edit the video because the video product simply gives you everything in sequence with maps as you will see in the link below.  From here you will be able to download either a spreadsheet, powerpoint, or video for each collection you have created.  The videos are in standard avi format.  We emphasize that the video will probably need to be edited to limit the size of the videos, to remove extraneous video and pictures, and to add video effects.  Almost any standard video editing software will allow you to edit our avi generated videos.  Here is an example of a video you can download to see the product that can be created (not that it is a large file and may take time to download: http://www.majorforms.com/attachment/1116/gen_video/50164f2d8fbd5.avi.

    Will I be able to charge my smartphone in foreign countries?

    Yes but you must remember that in order to charge your phone you may need a voltage converter plug-in.  There is no standard plug-in jacks between countries and voltage may differ in the country you are visiting.

    How do I share my data on social media websites and through e-mail?

    You have to download the appropriate social media application to your smartphone and you must have a username and password to the social media site in order to share your data.  Once you have collected data, such as an event or an entire collection, you can simply press the "share" icon at the bottom of the "event" page and a popup window will allow you to click either "Share your website link with others" or "Share your map with others" and a screen will appear allowing you to choose which social media site you wish to upload your data to (e.g., Linkedin, Google+, Facebook, Peep, Twitter, etc.).  See the example of the screenshot below. Not only can you share with social media sites but you can use e-mail, Skype, and other communication systems to share your information.  One of the powers of our applications is that you can share entire collections, events or individual images or videos.  For example if you wish to share an event, long press the event you wish to share and a popup window will appear allowing you to choose either share or remove.  Choose share and a window similar to the one below will pop up.  The same process can be done to share an individual image or video or an entire collection.  Simply go to the event where the image or video exists and long press the image or video you wish to share.

    20120322111028.png

    How can I transfer the data to my PC in order to save storage space on my mobile and reach them later?

    When you first start the application, it creates a user account on www.majorforms.com. All information (including photos and videos) can be synchronized with our server. By default, synchronization is enabled over WiFi, and disabled over mobile networks. After starting the app on the phone, please go to "sync" and select automatic synchronization settings. There you can tell when and how the phone should synchronize data, and other media. Keep in mind that data synchronization transfers small amounts of data and it is fast enough even with slow network connections. The media synchronization needs more bandwidth and it is much slower.

    Once your data is synchronized with the server, you can download the media from there. On your PC, go to http://www.majorforms.com and log in with your user account. There you will see all of your collections. After selecting a collection, you will see download options at the bottom of the page:

    • download all images in a ZIP file
    • download other data in Excel file
    • download a PowerPoint presentation that is generated from your trip
    • download GPX file containing the GPS track log(s) of your trip
    • request a new video to be generated. Once ready, you can download that too.

    Unfortunately, there is only one way to remove the original (big) media files from your phone. I'm going to describe the process.

    • Make sure that you can log into  www.majorforms.com
    • Connect to the internet with your phone.
    • Press the synchronize button on the main screen, and wait until all remaining images and videos are uploaded to the server.
    • On the website, check that all of your data was uploaded. (Use the "search" menu and look for the latest photos and videos.)
    • Exit the app on your phone.
    • On your phone, go to Settings/Applications, select the "Vacation Journal" app or other application you are using, and press the "Clear data" button.
    • Open a file manager (Astro, for example). Navigate to the root of your SD card, and delete the folder named "Vacation Journal". This folder contains all of your (big) images and videos.
    • Start the Vacation Journal app again. You will have to log in again. Make sure that you don't create a new user. You have to use your original user name.
    • After the first log in, the app is going to synchronize data and download thumbnail images from the server. It may take a while.
    • You will still be able to watch the full images on your phone. They will be downloaded when needed. By default, only thumbnails are downloaded. This way you can save storage space on your phone.

    We will find a way to make this process easier. I think we are going to have a button called "delete locally stored media" on the sync page. You can expect this button to appear in a future version of the program.

    Why does my map show so much scatter when I stop at an event for an extended time using the tracker (see screenshot below)?

    20120508111816.png

    This is the result of being in a building with an unsatisfactory GPS signal (i.e., their are a limited number of satellites that the GPS system can synchronize with to obtain an accurate position).  The scatter is caused by updating positions that are inaccurate while you are inside the building.  We have included an algorithm in our programming that  reduces scatter from variations  due to the inherent error of the satellite positions, but buildings may increase the error to such an extent that the algorithm cannot correct for the inaccuracies.  We recommend that you turn off your tracker if you stop at a site where you will be inside a structure for an extended amount of time.  The GPS satellite tracking system is owned by the US military, and they purposely build in a certain amount of inaccuracy for civilian GPS systems.   Once the new European satellite GPS system is finalized, civilian tracking systems will be comparable to the military systems.  

    Why don't my tracks on occasion created from the tracker GPS positioning program precisely follow the roads I travel  (see screenshot below)? 

    20120508112034.png

    The problem is inherent in every GPS tracking device because of the built-in error established by the military.   The GPS satellite tracking system is owned by the US military, and they purposely build in a certain amount of inaccuracy for civilian GPS systems.   Once the new European satellite GPS system is finalized, civilian tracking systems will be comparable to the military systems.

    What is the Participants folder?

    The "Participants" folder is found under each collection along with the tracker and events folders.  The folder allows the user of the application to document which people were on the collection.  For example in the vacation journal application, a participant would be family members or friends that accompanied you on your vacation.   

    What does synchronization do?

    We believe that synchronization of  data collected on your smartphone with our server database is one of the most powerful aspects of our applications.  When synchronization is turned on, your smartphone uploads the data you are collecting via our application in real time to our servers and is accessible only by you via your username and password.  The synchronization occurs in the background periodically (the user sets the time interval between each synchronization) so that there is not a heavy drain on your battery.  Synchronization accomplishes  two major goals: 1) Your data is automatically backed up on our servers in case something happens to your smartphone or application during a collection.  2) Your data is accessible online which enables you to create reports, display the data collected on your own website to share with others including maps and media galleries (limited to what you choose to display), and/or create movies and powerpoints virtually automatically after the collection has been created. By the way, the data is also saved on the smartphone during the collection process.  If your smartphone has intermittent internet connection, it is not a problem.  Our algorithms attempt to synchronize until an internet connection can be established and then uploads the data.  

     How do I delete my account?

     Please look here.


     

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